2 Thess Book Study

Paul,
Silvanus, and Timothy,To
the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ:

2
Thessalonians 1:1

Welcome
to the book of 2 Thessalonians! It is comprised of 47 verses, and so
it will take us (one day at a time, just as the dawn of each new day)
only one and one half months to analyze it. It is hoped that you will
be blessed as each day unfolds with marvelous insights into this
beautiful epistle from the mind of God and through the hand of Paul,
the Apostle to the Gentiles.

He
begins by introducing himself along with Silvanus (also known as
Silas in the Bible) and Timothy. The letter bears Paul’s name, and
there is no valid reason to suggest that he is not the true author.
However, he leaves off the customary term “apostle,” which he
uses in many other epistles, because he was already well known to
those at the church. He is the Apostle to the Gentiles, and the
letter is written to a Gentile-led church.

Silvanus
and Timothy were Paul’s companions at Thessalonica, and he included
them in his opening greetings as they were still with him at this
point in his ministry. They are both noted together in Acts 17 &
18. Silvanus (Silas) is noted 13 times in Acts 15-18. He was a Roman
citizen as is seen in Acts 16:37. Despite this, he was also a Jew.
The longer name Silvanus
is used of him by Paul in 2 Corinthians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
He is probably also the same person referenced by Peter in 1 Peter
5:12. Timothy is the better known of the two because of his being
prominently mentioned throughout the New Testament, and in particular
because of the two books which bear his name, being written to him by
Paul.

After
his introduction, Paul says, “To the church of the Thessalonians in
God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This same address is
used in both 1 & 2 Thessalonians with the exception of the word
“our,” which is used here. He addresses the church as a whole
here instead of the more common term “to the saints” or “to the
brethren” that he uses in many other letters. The unique term “in
God our Father” is probably used to ensure that there is a
distinction made between God the Father and God the Son. In 1
Thessalonians 1, he said in verse 1:9 that the church “turned to
God from idols to serve the living and true God.” By making a
distinction between God the Father “and the Lord Jesus Christ,”
he is demonstrating that both are God, but there is more than one
Person in the Godhead. And yet, their worship of God the Father and
the Lord Jesus Christ is not pagan polytheism.

The
two are one essence, and yet there is an order within the Godhead by
which access is made available. Without Christ Jesus, there is no
access to God the Father. He is the Mediator between the two. Pagan
idolatry, from which they had turned, is not the same as what is
presented in the Christian faith. His introductory words are
carefully chosen for them (and thus us!) to learn, and remember, what
is right and appropriate in the worship of God.

Throughout
Paul’s letters, as with the entire Bible, the deity of Jesus Christ
is a concept and a precept which is on evident display. It is the
very heart of what God has done for the reconciliation of the people
of the world.

Life
application: Honest daily Bible study is hard work. It takes time and
it takes effort. In today’s world many people who come to 2
Thessalonians do so in order to read the end-time events verses which
are especially noted in Chapter 2. They then use those verses to
build up an entire theology on rapture-related events by combing
those verses with the other prophecy/rapture verses in the Bible.
However, this is the extent of their biblical knowledge. They cannot
logically tie what they believe in with the rest of Scripture to
defend why they believe what they claim they believe. It is a sad and
narrow approach to biblical theology. Taking the time to read and
comprehend the entire Bible may be a large challenge, but it will
help solidify one’s theology and keep the individual from error in
the various disciplines found in Scripture.

Heavenly Father, thank You for
each book of the Bible. They are sixty-six books which form a united
whole that then tells us Your very heart. They also give us a broad
and blessed understanding of Your intent and will for us, if we will
just come to You. Give us the wisdom to diligently study Your
marvelous word, and to stand fast on its precepts. Help us to never
deviate from making a daily study of it. Instead, may it be our
life-long habit. Amen.

Grace
to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:2

After
identifying himself, and those with him, and then who the letter is
directed to, Paul now gives the standard greeting
which is found in most of his epistles, “Grace to you and peace to
you.”

Grace
is unmerited favor which cannot be earned. This is the common
greeting among the Greek people. Peace however is the common greeting
among the Hebrew people. In their language, the word is shalom.
This is more than a greeting for calm or quiet, but is a state of
wholeness and completion in all ways. Paul unites the two terms just
as the church is being united between Jew and Gentile during his
time. This grace precedes the peace because only after receiving the
grace of God can a person experience the peace of God.

Paul
extends this wonderful blessing to them "from God our Father and
the Lord Jesus Christ." It is a greeting from the eternal God –
both the unseen Father and His Son who reveals the Father to us.
Rather than being an argument against the divinity of Jesus Christ,
it is an argument for it. He is tying the two in as one - Jesus being
a member of the Godhead. He is not making some type of great
division, but a harmonious blending of the two.

Throughout
Paul’s letters, as with the entire Bible, the deity of Jesus Christ
is a concept and a precept which simply can’t be missed. It is the
very heart of what God has done for the reconciliation of the people
of the world.

Life
application: Outside of God's creation, which reveals Him in a
general way, we cannot comprehend Him except through His special
revelation. One way we receive special revelation is through the
mouths of His prophets. But these prophets all testified to the same
thing - Jesus Christ (John 5:39). The most magnificent special
revelation of God that we have received is the incarnation of Jesus.
But for us, even this isn't sight, it is found in the testimony of
those who have recorded what they knew into the New Testament. So, in
order to understand God, one must know Jesus Christ, and one cannot
understand Jesus Christ unless they know their Bible. Today's life
application.... know your Bible.

Heavenly
Father, how grateful we are that because of Jesus, we can fellowship
with You personally. We can read Your word and know who You are. We
can have personal talks with You as we pray in a quiet place or on a
bustling city street. And we can feel Your presence as we attend
church and fellowship with others as we praise You and give You
thanks for Your wonderful care of us. Thank You for allowing us to
fellowship with You, O God. Amen.

We
are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting,
because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of
you all abounds toward each other,
2 Thessalonians 1:3

After
his introductory thoughts, Paul now begins the main portion of his
epistle. In this, he states, “We are bound to thank God always for
you.” The word translated as “bound” is opheiló.
It means “indebted.” It “originally belonged to the legal
sphere; it expressed initially one's legal and economic, and then
later one's moral, duties and responsibilities to the gods and to
men, or to their sacrosanct regulations. . . . opheílō
expresses human and ethical responsibility in the NT” (HELPS Word
Studies).

Paul
is noting that he and his associates are actually indebted to God for
those at Thessalonica. The reason for this will be explained in a
moment. But first he calls them “brethren.” As always, Paul makes
note of the inclusive nature of the Christian faith for those who are
the redeemed of the Lord. It is only to them that he writes, but his
words are also intended to lead others to that same faith where they
too will, hopefully, be included in the term “brethren.”

Following
this, he explains the reason for the debt of thanks which they owe to
God, by stating that “it is fitting” that they give this thanks.
What he will say concerning them demonstrates that thanks is not just
something which is haphazardly offered to God without purpose and
intent, but rather it is something which is right and good to offer
because it is a response to something most positive and wonderful
which has come about within the church. This special occurrence is,
as he says, “because your faith grows exceedingly.”

The
believers at Thessalonica didn’t just profess faith in Christ and
then stagnate as so commonly happens in churches, even since the
beginning. Instead, they had faith, and their faith increased. They
desired to know more and more about this marvelous God who would step
out of eternity’s realm in order to redeem fallen man unto Himself.
What a marvelous thing for the hearts of Paul and his companions to
know that their labors were not only not in vain, but that they were
magnified! But even further, he continues that “the love of every
one of you all abounds toward each other.”

This
is something which must have truly enlightened their hearts. The
faith of the church had grown exceedingly, but it wasn’t a faith
which was found in individuals who independently grew in holiness.
Instead, it was a faith which was shared between all at the church as
they grew in love. This would mean that each had the best intent for
the others in mind, and they would be there to build one another up
in times of weakness, trial, sadness, and so on. They would remain
strong, and also Christ-directed, because of this common bond of love
which was both strong and strengthening among one another.

What
is even more wonderful for Paul and his friends was that this is
exactly what they had admonished the church in the first letter to
them –

“And
may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and
to all, just as we do
to you...” 1 Thessalonians 3:12

Those
words, along with Paul’s other exhortations in his first letter,
were acted upon and they had taken root. Increased faith, and
abounding love had become a hallmark trait of his beloved church in
Thessalonica.

Life
application: What is the state of your church? Is there great faith
among the congregants? Do you even know? Could you rely on them if
things were to go sour in your life? Could they rely on you? Do you
have a shared love which is growing with each passing week? Or do you
just show up, spend your time as if a chore is being completed, and
then follow it up with a quick exit and without a care what
transpires in the lives of the others in the week ahead? Think on
this, and then set your mind to be a more active part in your church.
It is only a “fellowship” if you are there to fellowship.

Lord
God, are we doing enough in our respective churches to help others in
their times of crisis. When their faith is tried, will we be there to
help them through it? Do we even know the state of the others in our
churches? Do we even care? Precious Lord, give us the desire to make
our “fellowship” a place which is based on fellowship. Help us to
be a part of the solution to the difficulties which others face in
our home church. This we pray to Your glory, Amen.

...so
that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your
patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you
endure,
2 Thessalonians 1:4

Paul
had just noted the exceeding growth of faith among the believers as
well as their abounding love toward one another. Because of this, he
encourages them by saying, “so that we ourselves boast of you among
the churches of God.” In this, he is not boasting in them as the
object of boasting, but rather the subject of it. The actual object
of such a boast is in the Lord who was working among them and through
them in their increased faith and love. This is what faith in Christ
is intended to do, and so Paul and his companions used those in
Thessalonica as examples of how an effective church, centered on the
Lord, should interact – with their God (faith) and among one
another (love) of the previous verse.

Paul
then continues by explicitly noting their “patience and faith.”
In the context of the New Testament, the idea of patience here is
“endurance.” It is a steadfast attitude which is centered on the
fact that God enables a person or group to remain under whatever
challenges or trials He has allowed them to face. This is coupled
with their “faith” which is confidence in God despite those
challenges and trials. Such is certainly the case here, because he
then specifically notes the “persecutions and tribulations that you
endure.”

The
persecutions are specific and targeted attacks against them. It
indicates anyone who was directly irritating them, badgering them, or
even bringing troubles against them physically. The tribulations are
more general, and they are indicative of difficulties which hem
someone in, even to the point where it seems there is no avenue of
escape.

Between
the persecution and tribulations, others might simply get up and
leave, feeling that the trouble outweighed the benefits. But the hope
of those in Thessalonica was steadfast, and so they endured through
all that came their way. Their faith told them that they were to
receive a kingdom which will not be shaken, and so they remained
fixed on that and continued to serve God with reverence and fear.

Paul
will explain the benefits of their steadfastness, and he will explain
what will come to those who had been persecuting them. In the end,
their patience and endurance would be rewarded. They knew this, and
Paul’s words will come as both a reminder and a continued
encouragement to them. They are words which should be considered and
applied to our own lives now because, until the Lord returns, there
will always be persecutions and tribulations for the Lord’s
faithful.

Life
application: As Paul’s letters are prescriptive for the church age,
it’s important to understand that teachings of prosperity, health,
wealth, and good times are misguided, and at times they are shown to
be ridiculous. The true benefits of calling on Christ are set for a
future date. Any times of blessing in this life are to be accepted
with thanks, but are not to be expected as if we are entitled to
them.

Heavenly
Father, every good blessing we have has come from You. But should
times of trial, persecution, and tribulation come, grant us the
strength to endure through them. Help us to keep our hope on that
which lies ahead. This world is temporary, and every happy time is
temporary as well. But what You have promised is eternal, and it will
be coming at some wonderful time ahead. May we fix our hope on that,
and stand fast in our faith now – through good times and bad. Amen.

...which
is manifest
evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted
worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;
2 Thessalonians
1:5

The
words “which is” are inserted here. In the original, the words
make a sharper statement –

“…so
that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your
patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you
endure – manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that
you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also
suffer.”

The
“manifest evidence” which is being referred to is debated. Is it
speaking of the “patience and faith” of those in the church, or
is it speaking of the “persecutions and tribulations” that those
in Thessalonica face?

It
is probably speaking of the entire clause, both their patience and
faith, and their persecutions and tribulations. Thus, what Paul means
is that God’s judgment on those who persecuted them would be deemed
as completely fair. They had unjustly persecuted the church, and God
will look on their lives, including their persecutions of the church,
and He will be fully just in their condemnation.

And
yet, at the same time, their patience and faith was also manifest
evidence of God’s righteous judgment on their persecutor's
sin. The patience and faith looks back to the cross on behalf of
believers; the persecutions and tribulations looks forward to final
judgment on the offenders. Thus, the words, “that you may be
counted worthy of the kingdom of God” are not words of merit for
salvation, but words of merit of salvation.

The
form of the verb which is translated as “that [you] may be counted
worthy” signifies “to the end that.” There is an end purpose in
their faith, and there is an end purpose in their suffering. We
demonstrate faith in Christ, and we endure in our faith, with an end
purpose – the salvation of our souls. This verse neither speaks of
works for meriting salvation, nor does it give the possibility of
losing one’s salvation. Paul is simply stating that what has
occurred, and what is occurring, has an end purpose in the redemptive
process. This end purpose is being counted worthy of the kingdom of
God.

In
these words, there is the sense that because of suffering one can
predict the fair verdict of God – “Worthy.” It is not a
question of merit, but of standing. We are in Christ, He suffered,
and our actions show that we understand this. It is for this reason
that Paul then says, “for which you also suffer.” This hearkens
back to the words of Jesus –

“In
the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I
have overcome the world.” John 16:33

What
Christ did for His people is fully sufficient to save His people. But
this does not negate that His followers are exempt from what He
faced. It actually presupposes it. This is why in John 15:18, He told
his followers, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me
before it
hated
you.” Paul is simply re-explaining these things to those in
Thessalonica so that they can understand what has taken place, what
is occurring, and what the outcome of those things will be.

Life
application: If you face suffering for your commitment to Christ, it
is not an indication of God’s disapproval of you. Instead, it is
quite the opposite. If you are in Christ, you are beloved of the
Father, and He is allowing troubles into your life for various
reasons which all have a sound purpose. He is proven just in His
condemnation of those who persecute you, and His salvation of you
because of what Christ did is revealed in your own suffering. Be of
good cheer. God’s plan for you is perfect, even if it includes
suffering.

Lord
God, though we may suffer because of our faith in Christ, Your word
tells us that it is not a sign of Your disapproval. Instead, it is a
part of the normal and expected treatment of those who set their
allegiance on You and not on anyone or anything in this world. We
were told that the world first hated Jesus, and so we can expect the
same. But the end for us, and the end for those who persecute us,
will be vastly different. Thank You for the sure hope we profess,
even through suffering. Amen.

...since it
is a
righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble
you,2
Thessalonians 1:6

Paul’s
words here are actually given in a hypothetical sense. The Greek
reads, “...if so be that it
is a righteous
thing...” However, the words leave nothing uncertain, and there is
nothing conditional in them. Rather, it is simple a tool Paul uses
from time to time in order to argue a fact that will be recognized as
true by his readers. Thus, the English does carry the correct sense.
It is “a righteous thing with God to repay.”

If
the words stopped there, one might think that every type of
tribulation and suffering would be recompensed by God, but God is
also at times the initiator of tribulation. He is perfectly just in
His decisions, and when afflictions come from Him, they are a part of
what is ordained from His eternal mind for various reasons, and to
meet His ultimate end. However, there is repayment from God which
Paul speaks of here which is based on the suffering of His saints.
Thus he says that God will “repay with tribulation those who
trouble you.”

The
affliction of His redeemed people may appear to go unpunished, but it
never will be. God, in due time, will repay all such things, and He
will do so with tribulation which comes from Him. All of this is
given as a support for the words of the previous verses. God is
wholly just, and He will dispense judgment based on His perfect
nature. Albert Barnes gives four logical reasons for Paul’s words
here now –

1.
It is inconceivable that God should threaten such punishment unless
it were just.

2.
People themselves believe that it is just that the wicked should be
punished.

3.
If it is right to punish wickedness here, it is not wrong to punish
it in the future world.

4.
It will be a righteous thing for God to punish the wicked in a future
state, for they are not always punished here as they deserve.

Paul,
under the inspiration of the Spirit, says that punishment of those
who cause the Lord’s redeemed trouble will come, and so we know it
will be as he has said. He is fully in control of all things; it
would be wrong for Him to say He would do this and then not do it;
and it would be wrong for Him to allow His people to suffer if their
suffering wasn’t repaid on those who caused them to suffer.
Therefore, because we serve the perfect, just, and righteous God, our
sufferings will be repaid upon those who cause us to suffer.

Life
application: The book of Romans says, “Repay no one evil for evil.
Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If
it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all
men. 19 Beloved,
do not avenge yourselves, but rather give
place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine,
I will repay,”says the Lord” (12:17-19). The Lord will, in fact,
judge the evils rendered against us. Though it is difficult to not
retaliate, it is for this reason that we are then admonished to tend
to our enemies. Maybe we can convert them before their just
punishment comes. This is what we are called to do. Lord, give us
strength to so act.

Lord
God, it is a tough thing for us to wait on Your righteous judgment
upon those who mistreat us. But this is what Your word asks of us.
Grant us the ability to feed and care for our enemies that maybe some
of them might be converted. If they are, then their just punishment
will have been executed at the cross and not in them. Isn’t that a
better, more happy end? Help us to respond in the way which would be
most pleasing to You. Amen.

...and
to give you
who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from
heaven with His mighty angels,
2 Thessalonians 1:7

Paul
has just noted the repayment by God with tribulation of those who
troubled the believers. As the epistle is written for the entire
church age, it is a time which lies ahead, and in which the world
will be judged for its treatment of believers. This becomes more
evident as the words of this verse continue to unfold. He now states
believers will obtain the opposite of the “tribulation” the world
will receive by saying, “and to give
you who are troubled rest.”

The
word “rest” here is only used five times in Scripture, once in
Acts, and four times by Paul. It gives the sense of relief or
freedom. It is a type of rest that occurs when one lets loose
something tense. A person who has held a bow and arrow until the
strain builds up is given this type of relaxing ease when he lets go
of the arrow. This is what will be given to those who face the stress
of the world which comes against faithful Christians. Paul then says
this will occur “with us.” He is speaking specifically of
himself, Silvanus, and Timothy.

His
words give the sense of the gathering together of all believers.
Those who first suffered tribulations, and those then who saw their
trials and were willing to also endure what they saw by receiving
Christ, will together be given relief from those who troubled them.
And all of this is set to occur “when the Lord Jesus is revealed
from heaven.” The Greek literally reads, “at the apocalypse of
the Lord Jesus.”

It
is a different term than is normally used of the advent of Christ,
parousia.
That denotes “presence.” On the other hand, the word “apocalypse”
gives a more striking concept of the appearance or manifestation of
Christ. It is a period where Christ will be revealed as the One,
Supreme, and All-powerful Ruler of the world. Thus, this appearance
here is speaking of something different than the rapture itself,
which he already described in 1 Thessalonians 4. However, Paul uses
the name “Jesus” to help the believers identify more closely with
His human nature. Despite what is coming, we have a Lord who first
personally suffered for His people. When His people now suffer, He
can empathize with them, and He will then be faithful to fully repay
those who have persecuted His beloved church. It will be a time when
He “is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels.”

Again,
the term in Greek more literally says, “with the angels of His
power.” These are angels which serve the Lord, and which exercise
His great power for His sovereign purposes. They are given His
commands, and they execute His judgments according to His words.
Jesus speaks of them in Matthew. Jude speaks of them as well. And in
the book of Revelation, we are given exacting insights into what they
will accomplish at the Lord’s direction.

Life
application: As the world continues to tailspin into more and more
perversion, God’s people can expect to be faced with more and more
persecution. But the Lord is not uncaring about this. Just the
opposite is true. His plans and purposes are being fulfilled, even
through our times of trouble. But He will also faithfully execute
judgment on those who persecute His people. Don’t think the Lord
has abandoned you; He has not.

Lord
God, the Bible is clear – judgment is coming upon the world because
of its turning away from You. Your word is also clear that judgment
begins in Your house. Those churches which are openly condoning
perversion of all kinds will be brought to utter ruin. Is a moment of
perverse enticement worth condemnation and eternal punishment?
Certainly not. We pray today that holiness will be restored in your
churches, and that the sexually immoral will be expelled from Your
house. Surely things can’t continue for long as they are now
progressing. Amen.

...in
flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on
those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians
1:8

The
“flaming fire” here belongs to the angels, not to the judgment of
the angels. Thus, there should be a comma after fire instead of
before it. In the Old Testament, angels are known as seraphim,
or “burning ones.” Much of the tribulation judgment does not come
in the form of fire. Thus, there would otherwise be an inconsistency
in the text. These powerful angels display a burning aura around
them. Their judgments will be poured out on the world according to
the descriptions found in the book of Revelation.

They
will be, as it says, “taking vengeance.” However, the word
“taking” is not appropriate. It implies personal vindictiveness,
a characteristic not found in the true God. The Greek reads “giving”
or “rendering.” God is not punishing because of a personal grudge
against offenders. Instead, he is assigning to the unrepentant world
their just due, and each man will receive that just due for not
ascribing to God what is appropriate, and for just repayment of those
who troubled His people.

It
is for this reason that vengeance will come, and it will come upon
“those who do not know God.” Jesus stated that if one sees Him,
they have seen the Father. It is He who reveals God to us in a manner
which we can understand, and it is He who mediates between God and
man. Those who reject Jesus do not ascribe to God what is
appropriate, and they, in turn, are those who then trouble His
people. Otherwise, they would be His people. But they are, instead,
at odds with God; enemies of Jesus. This is explicitly stated in the
words, “and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ.”

By
the words here then, we have two different categories:

1)
Those who do not know God.

2)
Those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Though
the two go hand in hand, they are listed separately because there are
different types of knowledge in Paul’s mind. There are those who
“know” God (even that Jesus is God), but they then do not
acknowledge Him. And there are those who don’t “know” God,
because they don’t know who Jesus is. This then follows through
with the next clause. The first category may “know” God because
they know who Jesus is, but they do not obey the gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ. They reject the truth of Christ, and thus they reject
God. The two categories are necessarily stated separately to show
that all will be punished because of failing to meet one or the other
category.

The
words “of our Lord Jesus Christ” are specifically used here to
define those who may know the gospel, but who still reject the work
of Jesus as the Messiah. In other words, this includes Jews of the
end times who will be destroyed, even to two thirds of the nation
(Zechariah 13:8). With God, there is no partiality, and both Jew and
Gentile are favored only because of their standing with Christ Jesus.
No other distinction will save them. Destruction lies ahead for all
who fail to come to Christ.

Life
application: If you have failed to come to Christ through the gospel
of Christ (and this includes all who attempt to be justified by works
of the law), you will be left behind at the rapture, and you will
endure the judgments of the tribulation period. Now would be a good
time for you to leave the Hebrew Roots movement, the SDAs, or any
other group who mandates observance of the law, in part or in whole.
Call on Christ, trust in Christ, rest in Christ.

Lord God, You word assures us
that there is a period of time coming on the earth which will be
complete destruction and final judgment. You have shown in Your word
that there is but one way to be freed from that time – trusting in
the gospel of Christ Jesus. You gave us this avenue, and so for us to
willingly reject it means that we merit Your disfavor. Help people to
realize this, and help us to be willing to lead all to a saving
knowledge of what He has done for us! Help us in this, O God. Amen.

These
shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of
the Lord and from the glory of His power,
2 Thessalonians 1:9

Wow
Paul. Really? Rather un-PC of you to say such a thing!

The
result of the “vengeance” of the previous verse is defined here.
Punishment lies ahead for those, as Paul said, “who do not know
God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ.” It is punishment that is eternal in nature, and it is
punishment that is universal in scope, excepting only those who have
called on Jesus and who are the redeemed of the Lord.

It
needs to be understood from the Greek here that the word translated
as “destruction” does not mean “annihilation.” Instead, “it
emphasizes the consequent loss
that goes with the complete ‘undoing’” (HELPS Word Studied). In
other words, one cannot justify the doctrine of “no eternal hell
for unbelievers” with this verse. The Bible elsewhere speaks of
eternal punishment. Instead of annihilation, it will be a type of
ruination “from the presence of the Lord.”

Whatever
hell will be like in its fullest sense, and whatever pains or
sufferings the damned soul will receive, the worst possible
punishment is the thing that those who hate God claim they want the
most – to cast off the Lord, and to have nothing to do with God.
This they will receive, but it will only be after they have beheld
His glory at the Great White Throne Judgment. In this, they will see
the Source of all goodness, glory, and desire, and then they will be
removed from that forever. The memory of that separation alone will
be the greatest torment of all.

There
will be nothing of God’s eternal splendor, and thus there will be
only lack, deprivation, and the highest desire to return to Him for
the Water of Life and the spiritual connection they had run from in
this life. The memory of what they saw will be the last good thing
they will ever see and it will be seared into their memories, but
they will be cast from His presence “and from the glory of His
power.”

This
glory of the power of the Lord certainly has, at least in part, the
thought of the human Christ, reigning on His throne. And yet, it
surely signifies the divine Lord as well. There is both the physical
and spiritual aspect of Jesus, which will endure forever. He will
lead His people, but He will also continuously and ceaselessly reveal
the unseen Father to us.

It
is this on-going revelation of the glory of God that those to be cast
away from His presence will desire with all of their mind. They will
be deprived of this boundless joy, and it will utterly consume them.
However, the misery of having realized that it is the human Jesus
that made this possible, and that they rejected Him… that will be
the source of their eternal regret. It will eat them up for all
eternity that they had mocked and mistreated the exalted name of
Jesus, exchanging it for whatever lie they held to in this temporary,
pitiful life.

Life
application: In 2 Kings 25, Zedekiah, the king of Judah was captured
by the king of Babylon. He was taken before him and his sons were
killed before his eyes. After that, they put out his eyes. Thus the
last thing he ever saw was the ending of his family line. The painful
memory of his failed life would be seared into his conscience
forever. This is the thought presented to us by Paul’s words of
this verse. In both cases, the wounds were self-inflicted. But in the
case of those who have rejected Christ Jesus, the wounds will be
infinitely more painful. Pay heed, and call on Christ today.

Lord
God, Your word speaks of eternal punishment for those who reject Your
one and only avenue to peace with You, Jesus. As You have revealed
Yourself through Him, and as He is our only way back to You, it would
be good for people to consider this, to see if it is true, and to
make the right choice now. This life is temporary, it is fleeting,
and the ending of it is completely unknown. Help us to be wise and
responsible with this moment in time. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

...when
He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be
admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among
you was believed.
2 Thessalonians 1:10

Here
we have a sharp and resounding contrast to the previous verse. He
just said that those who don’t know God, and who don’t obey the
gospel of Jesus, will but punished. This will include their removal
from the glory of His power. In contrast to that, it says, “when He
comes.” This is speaking of Jesus. This defines the period of time
that the punishment upon the wicked will occur. It is “in that Day”
that the contrast for those who have believed in the gospel will come
about.

In
this he says that He is “to be glorified in His saints.” The
glory spoken of is not “through” His saints, nor is it “among”
His saints. Instead, it will be “in His saints.” He suffered and
died so that we may live. In contrast, those who reject Him will
suffer and die because He, in fact, lives. They ignored this
willingly, and they will receive their just punishment for their
failure to acknowledge His work which He accomplished for them. Thus,
they are found unworthy of its merits.

But
for the saints, they will reflect His glory, because they received
His atonement and are covered in His righteousness. And along with
this, He is “to be admired among all those who believe.” This
reflects the state of what has occurred in us. We have, by a simple
act of faith, been granted the righteousness of Christ. But it is His
righteousness. We can claim no credit for this. Instead, we will
always remember that the Lamb was slain so that we might live.

What
is done is past, but its effects will endure forever. It is a
one-time-for-all-time thing. When we behold Him in glory, we will
give Him the admiration He eternally deserves because we have been
eternally redeemed. As noted, this was by an act of faith, as Paul
once again explains with the words, “because our testimony among
you was believed.”

The
Calvinist doctrine of election and predestination is shown, once
again, to be wholly incorrect here. Nowhere in Scripture do we find
the notion of being “regenerated in order to believe.” That is as
nutty as a football bat. Paul and his associates shared the gospel,
the people believed, and they were saved. The same is true with every
person who has been redeemed since. Faith is excluded as a work
according to Romans 3:27. It is something that comes from us, and it
is what then results in our salvation.

Life
application: If you are excited about Jesus, then imagine how great
it will be when we see Him face to face. If you are saved, but not
excited about Jesus, you have a serious problem with understanding
the magnitude of what He has done for you. Reconsider your station,
and be excited to glorify Him for the marvelous things He has done
for you!

Lord
God, help us never to lose our excitement over what Christ Jesus has
done for us. May we be willing to share that excitement everywhere we
go, and to be willing to provide the lost with the same chance of
being saved as we once had. Help us to not sit on our hands and idly
wait for the day of our passing. Instead, help us to be active and
alive concerning the wonderful news that brought us to salvation.
Amen.

Therefore
we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy
of thiscalling,
and fulfill all the good pleasure of Hisgoodness
and the work of faith with power,2
Thessalonians 1:11

The
word “therefore” is looking back to the previous verses. In verse
5, he Paul said “that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of
God.” In that verse, it was noted that this was a worth not of
merit, but of standing. In verse 10, it then noted that when the Lord
comes, He will “be glorified in His saints.” Because of these
things, and the surrounding verses, Paul says “therefore,” or
“with a view unto this,” he and those with him “also pray for
you.” When Christ is glorified in His saints is the view to which
their prayers are directed.

His
adding in the word “also” stresses the thought of the prayers
they offer. They didn’t just hope in a good outcome, but they
actively prayed for it. With prayers being offered, they looked
forward to the good outcome “that our God would count you worthy of
this calling.” The “calling” here takes us right back to verse
5, which is a call of standing. Paul prayed that they would stand
firm in their calling and not shy back.

They
had been called, they were suffering for it, and Paul prayed that
they would continue in their calling despite this. This is obvious
because in 1 Thessalonians 1:12, he stated hopes that they would walk
worthy of God who called them. Again in 1 Thessalonian 4:7, he noted
God had called them unto holiness. And then again, in 1 Thessalonians
5:24 he noted that God who calls is faithful. These things show us
that the calling was already in existence, and that it would
continue.

With
this in mind, he then noted that they also prayed that God would
“fulfill all the good pleasure of His
goodness.” The word “His” is inserted here. It is true that the
goodness is that which is godly, but it is more a personification of
goodness which stems from Him. The scholar Oldshausen says of these
words, “May God fill you with all that good which is pleasing to
him.” They stand in their calling and, because of this, the hope is
that they will perform according to their standing, reflecting the
goodness that would be expected of a person who was so called.

Finally,
he says to them that their prayers are also directed to “the work
of faith with power.” This essentially means “to powerfully
complete the work that faith was able to produce in you.” The
gospel was presented to them, they received this gospel by faith, and
now it was prayed that they would be filled with godly power to
complete the work set before them in this new life. As Albert Barnes
notes of these words, “The work of religion on the soul is always
represented in the Bible as one of power.”

Life
application: As always, care needs to be taken when evaluating words
which may appear as if we must do something apart from faith in order
to be saved or to continue to be saved. Such is not the case. If this
were true, our salvation would not be by grace through faith.
Instead, it would be by personal merit worked out in our action. This
is not the gospel.

Lord
God, thank You that the race is not up to us to complete. Instead, it
is You who have saved us through an act of faith, and it is You who
keeps us because of that belief. Our faith may weaken, and we may
lose heart at times, but You never forget the time that we called out
to be saved, we believed in the work of Christ, and we were forever
reconciled to You. Thank You for this, our precious God. Amen.

...that
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in
Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2
Thessalonians 1:12

The
use of the term, “the name,” is given to denote the Person. It is
more than a mere title or form of honorary dignity. Everything about
the Person – His title, His power, His being, etc., is summed up in
the term “the name.” Therefore, the words, “that the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified,” is speaking as a summary
of what has previously been said, not just about those saved, but
about those set for destruction as well. They will see the honor and
glory placed upon the saved which will demonstrate God’s righteous
judgment upon them. This is because we are “in Christ,” and thus
we are a part of His body. When we are vindicated, it glorifies Him.
This is why Paul continues with the words, “in you.”

Everything
about the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is exalted when He is
glorified in His saints. And the reciprocal is true as well. As Paul
then says, “and you in Him.” Our salvation and God’s favor upon
us because of our faith in Christ will be seen as having been
vindicated before the eyes of those who mock the faith and the
faithful. In their lives, they pursued either self indulgence, or
some type of works-based salvation. However, the true Christian sets
aside self and instead trusts in the work of Christ alone. This
explains how we will be glorified in Him. In the end, it is all about
Jesus and what He has done. Our works are excluded. As it says,
“according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Grace
is unmerited favor. Any work or effort to be reconciled to God on our
part would mean we merited God’s favor, and thus grace would be
excluded. But such is not the case. Instead, we hear the gospel, we
receive the words, and we are saved. The grace is two-fold. First it
is of “our God,” and secondly it is of “the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Rather than this being an argument against the deity of Christ, it
forms an argument for it. Throughout his epistles, Paul speaks of the
grace of God, and then he defines that as being the gift of Jesus.
The two are inseparably linked. Jesus Christ is God working out our
salvation in human form.

The
point of Paul’s words is to demonstrate that God is just, He is
righteous, He is holy, He is gracious, He is merciful, He is loving,
and He is truthful. But more, He is perfectly so in each of these
ways. He cannot violate His own righteousness in order to be
gracious. If He did, He would be unrighteous. The same is true with
each of these attributes. But through Jesus, He can accomplish all of
these things without violating His perfect nature. This will be seen
and understood with all clarity by those who have rejected Him, and
by those who were faithful to receive Him.

Life
application: Jesus is God’s way of working out the salvation of
man. No other way is possible, and therefore let us hail Jesus, the
Author and Finisher of our faith. To God be the glory.

Heavenly
Father, considering what You have done through Jesus, how can we but
praise You? You have reconciled us to Yourself, and we stand before
You purified, cleansed, and holy. And it is all because of what You
have done. Can we boast in the work of another? How much more then
should we boast in You! Thank You for sending Jesus to bring us home
to Your glory. Amen.

Paul
now moves from His opening comments to the main portion of
instruction in the epistle. His words concern future events which
will further explain his thoughts of his first letter to them. In
Chapter 1 of this letter, he spoke of judgment upon unbelievers, and
of the glorification of the saints as well. But there is an order in
which things happen, and there are times set by God for them to come
about. Paul will give some details of these things now. And so he
begins with, “Now, brethren.”

The
words are to believers, and they are friendly and warm. Those who are
included in the fellowship are all to read and feel encouraged by
them. With this in mind, he then begins his thoughts with,
“concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This
is an issue which he has already addressed in his first letter,
particularly in Chapter 4 of it. Therefore, his words are to be taken
along with what he said there. Without getting too far ahead now, it
is evident from his coming words that people were making false claims
about the events of 1 Thessalonians 4, and these statements were
troubling the fellowship. Paul wants them (and thus us!) to know the
proper sequence of events which will occur in and around the Lord’s
coming “and our gathering together to Him.”

This
is specifically referred to in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 –

“For
this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are
alive and remain
until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are
asleep. 16 For
the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in
Christ will rise first. 17 Then
we who are alive and remain
shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord
in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

The
word Paul uses, translated as “gathering,” is found only here and
in Hebrews 10:35 in regards to Christians assembling together for
worship and instruction. In this case, it must be referring to all
who are in Christ, both the dead and the living. The words of 1
Thessalonians 4 are being further explained. Therefore, it is
certainly referring to the time of the rapture at the Lord’s
coming for His church.

It
is based on this event that the words of this verse finish with, “we
ask you.” He is going to petition them to pay attention to what he
and his associates have to say so that they will not be misguided by
false claims concerning this event. The words are meant for the
church as a whole, and so believers today can pick up their Bible and
have the same assurances that those in Thessalonica had 2000 years
ago.

Life
application: What is the sequence of events which surround the
rapture? How can we know if someone is making stuff up out of their
head? Stay tuned for the exciting details. Paul will give us words
which will keep us from being distracted by people who are either
uneducated in Scripture, or who purposely twist end-time events for
their own perverse purposes. Taking Paul’s words in context, we can
avoid being misled by them.

Lord
God, it sure is marvelous to have Your word available to us. It gives
us a grand outline of things which lie ahead, and it will help us to
find reassurance in our walk now… if we just pick it up and study
it. Help us in this Lord. Grant us the wisdom to spend more time
reading Your word than we spend in front of the TV. May it be our
daily desire to get into this treasure and soak up its goodness!
Amen.

...not
to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or
by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
2 Thessalonians 2:2

Correctly
understanding Paul’s words of this verse are essential in forming
an end-times doctrine which is sound and in accord with what will
actually take place. So pay heed as we follow along with the words he
gives. First he says that those in Thessalonica (and thus us!) are
“not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled.” This is based on
what he said in verse 1 about the rapture. He is asking them to be
sound in their doctrine, and thus they will not be led astray in
their minds. Their hope will remain steadfast, and their faith will
not be weakened.

The
idea of being “shaken” comes from a Greek word which concerns the
tossing or swelling of the sea. They were to be firm and fixed, as if
on dry land, not tossed about like a little boat on a raging sea. And
this was to be in their mind, or seat of reason. He then says that
this should be the case if presented with a false claim “either by
spirit or by word or by letter.” The reason why it is false lies
yet ahead in Paul’s words, but if a claim is made which contradicts
the word of the Lord, then it is false.

Such
a claim could be “by spirit.” This would be a supposed “prophetic
utterance” by someone in a Christian setting. It would be a claim
to divine revelation. Note: Today we have the word of God. We do not
need, nor will we receive, such a word of “prophetic utterance.”
Any claim of such a prophecy is to be rejected, and the supposed
recipient is to be disregarded as a lunatic.

Next,
Paul says, “by word or by letter.” The “word” would be a
false claim that someone had an oral message from Paul or another
apostle. What Paul will write now is to be considered doctrine. Any
word brought to their ears (or ours!) which claims to be apostolic in
nature, and which contradicts what Paul will write, is to be
rejected. The “letter” is the same – a claim that a particular
writing was from Paul or another apostle. As he says, “as if from
us.” If a supposed letter or writing is received which contradicts
what Paul will now say, then it should be tossed into the garbage
can, soaked with gas, and lit on fire. Be careful to not burn down
your house in the process!

With
this thought of the importance of what he will now say out of the
way, he finishes the verse with, “as though the day of Christ had
come.” The focus here is on the day of Christ. This is the main
thought of Paul’s words of this section. The “coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and our gathering to Him” is being set in relation to
“the day of Christ, not the other way around. If one does not
properly follow this thought, then there will be confusion in
end-times theology. When is the rapture? When is the anti-Christ
revealed? These things have to be taken in connection with what is
now said by Paul. Otherwise, an incorrect analysis of the timing of
these events is inevitable. This is why Paul has specifically started
with the rapture, and then set it in relation to “the day of
Christ.”

What
is “the day of Christ’ then? It needs to be understood that
various manuscripts say “day of the Lord” and “day of Christ.”
They both have the same meaning. Christ is the Lord. This is speaking
of the 7 years of tribulation which are coming upon the world. It is
not merely the last 3 ½ years of this period. This will become
evident by what he says in verses 3 & 7. These seven years are
what are spoken of in Daniel 9:24-27. The details of these seven
years are given in numerous places in the Old Testament, and they are
described in greater detail in Revelation 4:2 – 19:10. This is what
Paul is referring to. In understanding that this is what Paul is
using as his baseline for the coming prophetic events, it will then
allow the reader to correctly follow the timeline of Paul’s coming
words.

Life
application: Do you believe in a “rapture” of the church? If so,
do you accept a pre-trib, mid-trib, or post-trib rapture? What is the
basis for your choice? If one follows what the Bible says, in
context, the answers to these questions are given. Set aside your
presuppositions, and follow Paul’s thoughts of this chapter as they
come. In doing so, you will see how the timeline is properly
revealed.

Lord
God, what a blessed hope we have. Throughout the ages, man has walked
in a contrary path to Your will. And a time is coming when You will
lift Your hands and allow man to walk on that path without restraint.
Man will sadly find out that life without You is beyond terrifying,
but there will be no exit when that day comes. But for those who have
trusted in Jesus, there is a place of safety. How blessed we are to
possess this hope. Thank You for our Lord. Amen.

Let
no one deceive you by any means; for that
Day will not come unless
the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed,
the son of perdition,
2 Thessalonians
2:3

The
opening clause of this verse, “Let no one deceive you by any
means,” is based on what was said in the previous verse. He told
them that they were “not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled,
either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us.”

At
that early day in church history, there were deceivers who were
making crazy stuff up out of their own heads, and passing it off as
prophecies from the Lord. Paul is showing those at Thessalonica (and
thus us!) that only the instructions of true apostles were to be
regarded as authoritative. Now that the apostolic age is over, our
only source for divine revelation is the word of God. Any supposed
word from the Lord, or any supposed divine instruction apart from the
Bible, is to be wholly rejected.

The
words of warning concerning being deceived are not unique to this
verse. Rather, Paul warns of such things in other letters as well.
And yet, instead of reading the Bible and accepting what it quite
clearly says, people fawn over deceivers all the time. And they are
out there by the bucketful. “Oooh, I have a word from the Lord.”
Reject this nonsense! Read your Bible, and be sound in your doctrine.

Paul’s
next words have a thought inserted in them by the translators, “for
that Day will not
come unless the
falling away comes first.” The Greek simply reads, “because if
not shall have come the apostasy.” However, the words which were
inserted by the translators are rightly supplied. It is speaking not
of the rapture of verse 1, but of the “day of Christ” (or day of
the Lord) of verse 2. The day of Christ (meaning the tribulation
period) will not come “unless the falling away comes first.”

It
has become common to teach that this word, apostasia,
or “falling away,” is actually speaking about the rapture because
the word signifies “leave” or “depart.” However, this is an
unnecessary stretch of the intent of Paul’s words. The word is only
used elsewhere in Acts 21:21 when speaking of forsaking Moses,
meaning the Law of Moses. The departure is one of purposeful turning
away from a set doctrine.

There
will be a falling away from the truth faith of Christ before the day
of Christ comes upon the world. What is implied here is that the true
church will be gone by then, but that will be explained in verse 7.
It is not explained by the word apostasia
of this verse. Along with this thought, Paul finishes the verse with,
“and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.”

Here
Paul speaks of “the man of sin.” The term is unique in the New
Testament. It is applied to a specific person who will be a man of
lawlessness, as the word anomia
implies. The word signifies “the utter disregard for God’s law
(His written and living Word)” (HELPS Word Studies). To further
describe him, Paul calls him, “the son of perdition.” This is a
term used only one other time in the Bible, in John 17:12, when
speaking of Judas who betrayed Jesus.

Judas,
in essence, “fell away” from the truth of the apostolic office
which otherwise could have been his, along with the other apostles.
He chose the evil path, and he was essentially born to be destroyed,
as is implied in the words of Matthew 26:24. Like Judas, this person
will be set on a course which can only lead to ruin. The word Paul
uses which is translated as “revealed” is apokaluptó.
It will be as if a covering is pulled away and this person, bent on
disregarding God’s law, will be unveiled. He then is a counterfeit
to Christ, and thus he is known to us
as the Antichrist.

What
we have so far is the understanding that the day of Christ (the day
of the Lord), will not actually commence until the Antichrist is
revealed. However, he will not be revealed until after the rapture,
as is implied in this verse, but which will be made explicit in verse
7. And so thus far, we see the sequence of events –

1)
Rapture of the church

2)
The falling away and the revealing of the Antichrist

3)
Day of Christ (Day of the Lord)

Life
application: It is common today among rapture deniers to state that
the doctrine of the rapture was never taught until the time of John
Darby (who is then maligned in order to diminish his writings – a
source fallacy). However, this is untrue. Paul clearly teaches the
doctrine in his letters (1 Corinthians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians).
Just because Paul’s words have been improperly understood, because
of a misinterpretation of the role of the church, it does not mean
that the doctrine is unsound. Instead, it means that church doctrine
has simply not been in line with Scripture. That deficiency has been
corrected.

Lord
God, it sure will be nice when you come for Your church! May that day
be soon. Amen.

...who
opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is
worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing
himself that he is God.2
Thessalonians 2:4

The
words which begin this verse are actually in the present tense.
Rightly translated, it says, “...the [one] opposing and exalting
himself.” If taken substantially, it would read “...the opposer,
and exalter of himself.” It clearly references to the Antichrist.
The words are reflective of Satan himself, but are being applied to a
man; and so it is one who is wholly in league with the goals and
intents of Satan. It is this man of lawlessness who places himself
“above all that is called God or is worshiped.”

In
this phrase, it is understood that the Antichrist will place himself
above the true God as well as all other false gods. Total allegiance
to him will be required. In essence, he will be believed to be the
fulfillment of whatever hope is laid out in any religion. For those
who say they are Christians, he will appear to be their Christ. For
the Jews, he will appear to be their Messiah. For the Muslims, he
will appear to be their Mahdi, etc. But he will even exalt himself
above the God or gods that he claims he is from, demanding worship of
himself only. The words “[all] that is worshiped” are actually
from a noun in the Greek, and so it should read, “object of
worship.”

There
are things that are not “gods” which receive worship or
adoration, but he will exalt himself above any such thing. This
self-exaltation will be seen in a demand for total allegiance above
power, money, or even life itself. This will be fully seen and
realized on the day that “he sits as God in the temple of God.”
These words, for countless years of the church age, have been taken
to mean something other than a Jewish temple.

That
temple was destroyed, and there seemed no chance of one ever being
rebuilt. Some have taken this to mean “the Vatican” where the
pope sits. Others argue it is referring to the Christian church in
general. Some have taken it to mean “a poetical or prophetical
description of usurping divine prerogatives generally” (Charles
Ellicott). These and other analyses were based on a misunderstanding
that the church had somehow replaced Israel, or that – at best –
there would never be a “temple of God” in Jerusalem again.

However,
it is understood from the dispensational model that the Jews do have
another temple coming (Daniel 9:24-27), and that is now possible with
Israel back in their land. The temple implements are ready, and the
temple itself will be built. This is actually in accord with
Revelation 11:1 where John was told to “measure the temple of God.”
One doesn’t measure a universal church or a “poetical or
prophetical description,” and the Vatican doesn’t sit in
Jerusalem. Paul’s words, combined with those of Daniel and John,
clearly indicate a rebuilt Jewish temple in Jerusalem. It is in this
temple that the Antichrist will sit “as God in the temple of
God, showing himself that he is God.”

To
sit in the temple, where only God was allowed to reside, is to claim
the authority and personage of God. No priest is said to sit in the
temple. There are duties to be conducted and then they are to depart.
But no such furniture exists for the priests to sit down. Only in the
Holy of Holies of the temple was there a place of rest. This is where
God dwelt above the cherubim on the mercy seat above the ark. The
high priest would enter behind that veil once a year to make
atonement for the sins of the people, but other than that, there was
no sitting of any kind involved in temple duties.

For
the Antichrist to sit in the temple, it will be his claim that he is
entitled to sit there because he is the one who “is God.” As it
is known that Jesus is God incarnate, and Jesus is Christ, this then
is the “Antichrist.” He will make a false claim against the true
God who has revealed Himself in the Person of Jesus.

Life
application: Only the dispensational model of biblical interpretation
can properly explain what Paul’s words are referring to in these
verses. Without accepting that Israel is Israel, and that they have
an actual purpose in the end-times, verses such as this must be
allegorized, spiritualized, or misapplied. But when one understands
that the nation of Israel, and the Jewish people as a whole, have
been returned to their land for the culmination of the ages, the
timeline comes into focus, the verses make logical sense, and God’s
plans are properly understood.

Heavenly
Father, Your word says that a temple will be rebuilt in Israel, and
that the Antichrist will sit there, claiming he is the true God. But
You have revealed Yourself already, and much of the world has missed
it. Help each of us to be willing to get up, get out, and tell about
Jesus now before the time of the deceiver comes. Many will perish
following a false god and a false Christ. Before that time, give us
the strong desire to tell about the majesty of Jesus, bringing many
to salvation. Amen.

Do
you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these
things?
2 Thessalonians 2:5

Paul
now takes time to upbraid the church at Thessalonica, and he does it
in the form of a question. Further, in a change unique to this verse
alone, he switches from the third person to the first person. Whereas
he has been saying “we” to include Silvanus and Timothy, he now
departs from that in his zeal to correct his audience and says, “I.”

He
begins with, “Do you not remember.” It is a way of saying, “You
obviously didn’t pay attention.” Jesus used this same type of
questioning in order to rebuke the disciples, such as in Matthew
15:16. Paul has done it elsewhere as well, such as in his letters to
the Romans and those at Corinth. Now, having chided them for not
having remembered, and for instead having become shaken by someone’s
introduction of false doctrine (see verse 2), he goes on to say,
“that when I was still with you.”

As
noted, he speaks here in the first person – “I personally was
there, and I personally instructed you on this matter.” The
frustration in Paul is obvious. He wanted soundness of mind for his
beloved brethren, but they had instead been disturbed in their
thinking because of the introduction of incorrect information. The
situation here is similar to that of the book of Galatians. False
teachers had come in and introduced false doctrine. In its reception,
the church in Galatia had started down a bad path. Paul spent an
entire letter attempting to get that heretical nonsense corrected.
Now, he is writing a second letter to Thessalonica in order to do the
same.

To
finish the verse, he says, “I told you these things.” The word
translated as “told” in the Greek is in the imperfect tense. In
other words, “I repeatedly told you these things.” The use of the
imperfect, when read by the church, would be an embarrassing moment
for them. Paul had spoken of the end times as a core part of his
doctrine, and one of the things he told them was that it would
probably be a long time before the Lord returned. Further, before
“the day of Christ” came, certain things would precede it.

If
they had paid attention, they would not now be unsettled. The same
imperfect tense is used in 1 Thessalonians 3:4 when reminding them
that they would face tribulation. Paul and those with him didn’t
just tell them this, they told them it often. The same is true with
his words of end-times events. The entire thought of this verse is
reminiscent of that of Hebrews 5:12 –

“For
though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone
to
teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you
have come to need milk and not solid food.” Hebrews 5:12

There
are things which people hear, and of which they should pay close
attention, but they instead take brain-naps while the instructor is
imparting his wisdom to them. In this, they are only harming
themselves.

Life
application: It’s a real problem in Christianity today that people
do not carefully read and study God’s word. People selectively pick
and choose what they will read, or they simply listen to teachers who
do not have the best in mind for their hearers. Thus, they become
unsettled in their doctrine, and they are led very quickly down
wayward paths. It is truly heartbreaking to see the amount of
confusion over simple, straightforward doctrines. The timing of the
Lord’s coming for His people, and the events which follow that, are
carefully laid down for us if we will but open the book and look.

Lord God, why do we fail to
pick up the word and study it for ourselves? Instead of doing a
thorough evaluation of its teachings, we take your word in a
piecemeal fashion, and we are prone to accept other’s faulty views
without checking them out. If we do this with things like prophecy,
how much more serious is it when we do it with the core doctrine of
salvation? Have we got that right? Help us to be assured of our
standing before You. It would be sad to find out we have that one
wrong. Amen.

And
now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own
time.
2 Thessalonians
2:6

Paul
continues with his thoughts on the revealing of the Antichrist. He
said that the Antichrist would not be revealed until after the
rapture of the church. This is implied in the previous verses, and it
will be implied again in the coming verses. Only then will Antichrist
be revealed, and the world enter the day of Christ (the day of the
Lord). But something is restraining that from occurring, something
they have already been told about. This is reminded to them now with
the words, “And now you know what is restraining.”

The
words, “And now” are not speaking of anything he has said in this
letter. Instead of being in a temporal sense, the word “now” is
being used in an introductory sense. They are being asked to call to
memory what had already been told them. The reason for explaining it
this way is because the church had been fooled; they had been
misdirected by false information claiming that “the day of Christ”
had come. The reminder now is that the revealing of the Antichrist is
actually purposefully hindered, and it would continue to be so until
the right time arrived.

The
words, “what is restraining” are insufficient here. There is a
definite article in front of “restraining” in the Greek.
Therefore, this is not a mere doctrine that they are aware of, but
rather of a specific and familiar object. Therefore, it should say,
“that which is restraining.” A known entity is restraining the
coming of the Antichrist, and the time for that entity to cease
restraining will come as planned by God. And so there was absolutely
no reason for those in Thessalonica (and thus us!) to speculate about
having already entered into the tribulation period.

The
truth holds for us even until this day. And yet, how many have
claimed that the day of Christ (the day of the Lord) has arrived? How
many speculations about the tribulation period have been laid out in
chart upon chart! But there is one restraining, and that will
continue to be the case so “that he may be revealed in his own
time.” The “he” is speaking of Antichrist.

What
is restraining the revealing of the Antichrist is not specifically
mentioned, but it can be readily inferred based on several things.
These will be looked at in the verses to come. But suffice it to say
that 1) the Antichrist is one who stands in opposition to Jesus. If
this must be restrained for even 2000 years now, it shows that even
though Antichrist is a person, there is more involved. He is a person
who will be specifically filled by Satan. And 2) if this could be at
any given time, then there is a set time – known even 2000 years
ago – when this would come about. What could could restrain Satan
from so filling whatever person he chose for that long? Stay tuned.

The
words, “that he might be revealed in his own time,” have the
meaning of “with a view to.” What this means is that God’s
purposes will come about because the power of Antichrist will stop
being restrained when He sees fit. Just as God ordained Israel to be
exiled to Babylon for 70 years, and then that exile ended as
prophesied, and then just as the same is true with the ending of
their second exile at a pre-prophesied moment to effect His purposes,
the ending of the restraint of the power which will be given to the
Antichrist is intended to meet God’s purposes for judgment on the
unrepentant world.

The
word translated as “time” indicates a set and purposeful time. It
is a particular season. Just as Christ Jesus was said to have come in
the fullness of the time set by God (Galatians 4:4), so Antichrist
will come at a particular season to fulfill God’s purposes.

Life
application: Way too many people focus on who the Antichrist is. That
is a pointless venture. The Bible says he will be revealed at a
particular time, and that time will not be until after the rapture of
the church. If you are looking for Antichrist, you need to redirect
and look for Christ. Stop wasting your time on useless videos about
an already-defeated enemy. Instead, pick up your Bible and find
Jesus.

Lord
God, Your word does tell us that one known as “Antichrist” is
coming. It also tells us that believers don’t need to worry about
his identity. Instead of looking for that loser, we are asked to fix
our eyes on Christ. Help us to remember this, to study Your word to
see His glory revealed, and to set our hearts and affections on Him
alone. Grant us the wisdom to seek the Lord and not futile
speculations about things which You alone have the knowledge of.
Surely knowing Christ Jesus in His fullness is enough! Amen.

For
the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now
restrains will
do so until
He is taken out of the way.
2 Thessalonians 2:7

The
word “For” is given based on the words of the previous verse.
Paul said something was restraining the Antichrist. This was “that
he may be revealed in his own time.” From this, Paul continues with
“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.” A mystery is
something not revealed. There is a lawlessness which is working (and
it has been working for 2000 years or more) which is not yet fully
revealed. It has been slowly working out a plan. In the Greek, there
is an article in front of both “mystery” and “lawlessness.”
It reads, “For the mystery of the lawlessness.”

The
state of lawlessness which is still not fully revealed is “already
at work.” The idea of the work is that of an inward action, as if
yeast causing bread to swell. As Charles Ellicott notes, “This is
not a personal thing.” It is a state of lawlessness which is
working, and which will eventually be revealed. This mystery is then
sharply contrasted to the word “revealed” which is found in
verses 6 & 8. There is a time when the lawlessness will come
forth to effect its purposes on earth. It will be when the Antichrist
is revealed, because he will then embody this lawlessness. This
working of lawlessness, however, is kept in check until the
appropriate time.

At
some point, the restraining force of verse 6 will no longer restrain.
As it says, “only He who now restrains will do so until He
is taken out of the way.” The words “will do so” are supplied
by the translators for clarity. The use of the masculine word “He”
is based upon the masculine, singular article in the Greek. In verse
6, the restraining force was described with a neuter article, “that
which restrains.” That is converted now to a masculine noun. The
question is, “Who is He?”

The
NKJV capitalizes the word. This is a presupposition that it is
speaking of the Holy Spirit. Others continue to translate this as
“the one,” “he” (not capitalized), “that which,” “the
person,” etc. Each translation is based on a best guess of the
nature of this “restrainer.” But Paul uses the masculine here for
a reason, and so it is not appropriate to continue to translate it in
the neuter. Further, this cannot be a “person” in the regular
sense. The restraining has gone on for millennia. It is also not
something belonging to the lawlessness. To be restrained is an
external force, not an internal one.

Therefore,
it appears that the NKJV is correct in their translation. This is God
who is restraining. However, and more specifically, it is the
restraining power of the third member of the Godhead – the Holy
Spirit. One analysis is that the restrainer is the church itself, but
as the word is masculine, it is more appropriately the One who is
intimately identified with the true church. The Holy Spirit is given
to all who believe in Christ (Ephesians 1:13, 14). As this is so, the
church is involved in the restraining process, but it is the Holy
Spirit who is the one who actively restrains the lawlessness. And He
will do so “until He is taken out of the way.”

What
this means is that there is a time when the Holy Spirit’s
restraining influence will no longer be effected. A releasing of the
restraint will come about, and then only will the lawless one be
revealed. What is certain then is that if the Holy Spirit is taken
out of the way, the church too must be taken out of the way. If the
effect of the Holy Spirit is to end, and the church were to remain,
then the “guarantee” of the sealing of the Spirit which Paul
notes in Ephesians 1:14 would not be a sound “guarantee” at all.
We would be left abandoned. This is completely contrary to the nature
of God and His word. Thus, this taking “out of the way” of the
Holy Spirit is simultaneous with the taking away of the church at the
rapture. Both occur, and only then will the mystery of lawlessness
(and thus the Antichrist) be revealed. This will be explicitly stated
in the next verse.

Life
application: Are you a believer in Christ? If so, you are sealed with
the Spirit. There is a time when the Spirit will be taken out of the
way. But God will never leave nor forsake His people. Thus, the
rapture is implied in today’s verse. And it is a moment prior to
the revealing of the Antichrist and the seven years of tribulation on
earth. Why would you look to determine who the Antichrist is? He is a
part of a mystery not yet revealed. Rather, look for Christ – our
hope of glory.

Lord God, the promises of Your
word are so very wonderful. You have, even from the first pages of
the Bible, shown that we will someday be restored to a land of
perfection and delight. How wonderful it will be. All the things that
tire us and wear us out will be forever forgotten as we search out
Your infinite glory. Surely You have wonderful things in store for
those who trust in You as You have revealed Yourself in Christ Jesus.
May that day be soon. Amen.

And
then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume
with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His
coming.
2 Thessalonians 2:8

“And
then.” In Greek it is kai
tote. It is
correctly translated… “And then.” So here we have a clear
sequence of events –

1)
The Restrainer (meaning the Holy Spirit, and thus the body of
believers whom the Holy Spirit has sealed) will be “taken out of
the way.”

2)
And then the lawless one will be revealed, which will be in
conjunction with...

3)
The tribulation period (the day of Christ/the Lord)

The
timeline is set. There is no reason at all to debate who the
Antichrist is, and there is no need to wonder if Christians will have
to endure some (mid-trib) or all (post-trib) of the tribulation
period. Paul is the one to define these things. Going to the words of
Jesus in the synoptic gospels to determine the timing of these events
is inappropriate, because Jesus is not speaking to the church about
these things. He is speaking to Israel about things which will affect
them, including the tribulation period.

In
using the words of the gospels to form a prophetic timeline for the
church, one mixes dispensations. In doing so, a convoluted theology
will always result. Stick to the epistles of Paul for proper
church-age doctrine.

It
is only after the removal of the Restrainer that “the lawless one
will be revealed.” It is this Satan-filled person “whom the Lord
will consume with the breath of His mouth.” This is alluded to by
John in the book of Revelation –

“Now
out of His mouth goes a sharpsword,
that with it He should strike the nations.” Revelation 19:15

Isaiah
11:4, which Paul is actually loosely citing, is another reference to
this –

“But
with righteousness He shall judge the poor,
And decide with
equity for the meek of the earth;
He shall strike the earth with
the rod of His mouth,
And with the breath of His lips He shall
slay the wicked.”

One
can see that this doesn’t merely mean that Christ will exhale and
the Antichrist will evaporate. Rather, the symbolism of the sword and
the rod reveals a destroying weapon which will come against the
forces of Antichrist and destroy them all. They will be destroyed so
easily that it will be as if He simply breathes out and they are
vanquished. The details are explained in Revelation 19:19 & 21.
It also is further defined by Paul with the words, “and destroy
with the brightness of His coming.” The supposed power and majesty
of the Antichrist will pale in comparison to the glory of Christ
Jesus. After defeating the armies gathered together to make war
against Him, it then says in Revelation 19:20 –

“Then
the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked
signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the
mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were
cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

Bad
times lay ahead for this worker of iniquity. Instead of ruling the
world, he should have been reading his Bible. Jesus said as much to
us in Matthew 16:26. There he asked an obvious question, “For what
profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own
soul?” The answer is, “None.” This vile person will have gained
the whole world, and yet his soul will be eternally condemned. Not a
very bright choice in the end.

Life
application: The words, “And then” which open this verse show us
that the Antichrist will only be revealed after the rapture of the
church. Let’s not worry about who he is. All the idle speculation
in the world on this matter is simply wasted time. Instead, try
something new and fun… try going on out telling someone about
Jesus. The hour you spend watching a video about the Antichrist is an
hour that may have made an eternal difference in someone’s destiny.

Heavenly
Father, for those of us who are redeemed by the blood of Christ,
should we keep this a secret? Should we fail to tell others about the
very thing that brought us back to You? Help us to set our priorities
properly, and to be willing to simply open our mouths and speak. A
moment of sharing may make an eternal difference in the life of
another. Help us to speak! Amen.

The
coming of the lawless
one is
according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying
wonders, 2
Thessalonians 2:9

Paul
now uses words which are more than just descriptive talk about the
Antichrist. Instead, they are given as a contrast to the coming of
Christ in His power. The Greek word for “coming” is the same
often given concerning the second coming of Christ, parousia.
It is a word which indicates an arrival, or an advent. Paul uses this
word to contrast the two arrivals. The coming of Christ is according
to the redemptive working of God; the coming of the Antichrist is
according to the destructive working of Satan. One results in
salvation for His people; one results in destruction for those who
follow him.

It
is a coming which Paul, as noted, does more than merely describe, but
rather purposely contrasts to Christ. He will be revealed “with all
power, signs, and lying wonders.” Scholars argue over the placement
of the word “lying.” Does it only describe “wonders,” or does
it describe all three of the aspects given? The most likely answer is
that it describes all three. This is how, for example, the Holman
Bible translates it (translating the word as “false”) –

“The
coming of the lawless one is based on Satan's working, with all kinds
of false miracles, signs, and wonders.”

As
Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), the working of Antichrist
fits in perfectly with the one from whom his workings are derived.
Each of these three descriptors has been used when speaking of Jesus,
such as in Romans 15:19 (and elsewhere), and so applying them to the
Antichrist as “false” workings, gives us the needed contrast to
see how much greater Christ is.

Being
God, and possessing God’s unlimited power, Christ Jesus displays
that power perfectly. His signs are true, and they are a confirmation
of His place within the Godhead. And His wonders are intended to
bring glory to God. On the other hand, the power of the Antichrist is
limited. It is a false power, merely granted to him until the
fullness of judgment has come upon the world. At that time, it will
be shown ineffective against Christ Jesus. His signs are false,
proving that his power is not godly, but Satanic. And his wonders are
intended for self glorification, not the glorifying of God.
Everything about him is a cheap knockoff, and it will eventually be
proven as such.

Life
application: How easily people are deceived into believing lies. Even
Christians are duped constantly by those who present false gospels
(Galatians 1:6-8), false doctrines (Romans 16:17), false displays of
power (Benny Hinn), and false predictions (the rapture did not happen
on 23 September 2017). How easy then it would be for Christians to
believe the false presentations of the Antichrist. But such will not
be the case. God will keep His people from such lies. For now, the
cure for being duped by false teachings is to KEEP YOUR NOSE IN THE
BIBLE. Read! Study! Show yourself approved! KNOW YOUR BIBLE!

Lord
God, Your precious word, and experience in life as well, shows us
that even those who are saved can easily be deceived by false
gospels, false doctrine, false displays of power, and false
prophecies. It is a chronic problem as we fail to rightly apply the
word to our lives. The cure is found there though. You have given it
to us for right doctrine and holy living. What a shame we watch TV
instead of reading Your word! Help us to get over the stupid, and
hold to the good. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

...and
with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they
did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2
Thessalonians 2:10

The
words, “and with all unrighteous deception,” are tied into the
previous thought. Paul had just said that when the Antichrist comes,
it would be with “all power, signs, and lying wonders.” Along
with that, he will bring “all unrighteous deception.” The
thought expands the previous three points. Everything about the
Antichrist will be filled with unrighteous deception. In this, there
is deceit being worked out, and that deceit is specifically for the
purpose of committing unrighteousness. This will be evidenced then
“among those who perish.”

This
is speaking not of those who commit the deception, but of those who
are the objects of it. They will be utterly deluded by the wiles of
the Antichrist. Instead of looking for God, they will have their eyes
fixed on this person, the one who most wholly manifests and embodies
Satan. They will believe the lie and they will be condemned for it.
As Paul says of them, “because they did not receive the love of the
truth.”

The
“love of the truth” is speaking of the gospel of Christ which
alone can save the soul. The word “because” gives the sense of
judicial standing. They had, in fact, been offered the truth, but
they turned it down. These people entered the tribulation period
because they had refused to check on whether the Christian message
was true or not. They will
continue to refuse the
message which will obviously be received by some who will not take
the mark of the beast. A testimony to the truth will stand, but they
will willingly refuse it. This is not at all a matter of
predestination such as Calvin would teach, stating that they are
condemned apart from hearing the truth. Rather it is a willing
refusal of the truth.

This
will be seen further as the next verse is introduced. For now though,
Paul simply declares the fact that those who follow Antichrist will
not receive the love of the truth, “that they might be saved.”
The obvious implication is that if they did receive it, they would be
saved. Salvation because of the truth of God in Christ does not end
with the rapture of the church. Instead, it is that which alone can
save, at any time and in any dispensation. However, these people will
willingly receive error and falsity rather than accept the simple
gospel – salvation is by grace through faith. Thus, their
condemnation is just.

Life
application: The words of this verse are true even today. There are
countless false religions and cults out there who strive against God,
introducing error and falsehood into their theology. But the truth of
the message of Christ is available for any who will simply pick up
the Bible and read it. But the general condition of man is to follow
deception rather than truth. One must willingly put aside self,
accept that we have no merit before God, and receive the simple
gospel. If we fail to do this, we remain enemies of God, and our
condemnation is just.

Lord
God, it is pretty obvious that the natural human condition is to
follow a path which is contrary to You. We tend to insert ourselves
into any hope of salvation, as if we can somehow merit Your favor.
But Your word shows that salvation is completely apart from our
merits. Instead, we are to receive the work of Jesus by faith, and
then to trust that it alone is sufficient for our salvation. May we
never trust in our own merits. Instead, may we simply call out for
Jesus, and continue to trust in His work to carry us home to You.
Thank You for what He alone has done! Amen.

And
for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should
believe the lie,
2 Thessalonians 2:11

“And
for this reason” is given based on what had just been said in the
previous two verses. Antichrist will come according to the working of
Satan. He will be infused with Satan’s power, signs, and lying
wonders, as well as with all unrighteous deception. This will be
“among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of
the truth, that they might be saved.” Because they preferred the
lies and false powers of Satan over the truth, a natural response
results. It is that “God will send them strong delusion.”

The
Greek literally reads, “a working of error.” It is an active
power of misleading, and it is ascribed to God. However, as a
Hebraism, it doesn’t require actual direct, positive influence by
God. A classic example of this process is found in the hardening of
Pharaoh’s heart in the Exodus account, prior to the actual exodus
from Egypt. Carefully following along in that account, different
words are used to describe this hardening process. God acts, Pharaoh
responds. Each step Pharaoh is progressively built up in the hardness
of his own heart. It will often state, “...but Pharaoh hardened his
heart.” And yet it states at other times, “But the Lord hardened
the heart of Pharaoh.”

It
is this process which will come about in the people of the world. The
“working of error” will be begun by God, but it will be responded
to by the people in a way where they carry the blame for their
actions. To understand this, we can use a boxing match as an example.

Boxer
A wants to defeat his enemy, but he wants to do it in a particular
way, demonstrating that he has total control over the match. He goes
into the ring, and actively throws a weak, ineffective punch. The
opponent perceives this as a foe who is not up to the challenge. He
takes the offensive, expending energy which should be kept in
reserve. Boxer A responds with a bit more force, but still with a
perceived ineffective approach. The foe hardens his heart and comes
back with his own elevated response. This continues, step by step,
exactly as it did with the Lord and Pharaoh. Pharaoh was lulled into
complete destruction because of the incremental nature of the war
against him. Boxer A eventually destroys his foe because his foe has
slowly grown more frustrated, and thus more reckless as the match
intensified. In the end, Pharaoh was willing to do the unthinkable by
driving his army between walls of water in order to pursue his
enemies. The working of error on God’s part was fully effective in
allowing Pharaoh to utterly destroy himself and his army. Boxer A
stands over his opponent who is down for the count.

This
is how God works in such matters, and there are other such examples
in Scripture, each given so that his enemies “believe the lie.”
God does not lie, but rather, the lie is formed in their own minds by
accepting the situation around them as if it is within their control,
when in fact it is completely within the control of God. This is
important to understand, because there were those under Pharaoh who
understood what was happening. They told Pharaoh that what was
occurring was “the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19). They also
implored him saying, “Do you not yet know that Egypt is destroyed?”
(Exodus 10:7). And when Israel went out of Egypt, a mixed multitude
went with them, understanding that the Lord was leading them.

Such
instances show us that what will occur is God-directed, and each
person will have to make their own choice. The majority of the earth
will follow Antichrist and be destroyed; self destruction will come
upon them. However, the Bible speaks of a “great white multitude”
who will come out of the great tribulation who are comprised of all
nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues (see Revelation 7). They will
not be caught up in the “working of error” which comes upon the
world, but rather they will be willing to die for the God they had
once rejected, but came to realize was the One true God.

Life
application: That which has been will be again. In order to
understand what lies ahead, we can look at what has already occurred.
The Bible shows us the depravity of man. It shows us the hardness of
the human heart as well. But it also shows us the remedy for these
things. It is to love the truth, and to trust in Christ Jesus, the
Lord. In this, man can and will be saved.

Lord God, You certainly work
in all of our lives at times, calling us to You through subtle means
in order to wake us up from our spiritual slumber. For those who are
wise, they will look at what occurs and seek to find out the truth of
the Source. Help those of us who are saved to keep our eyes open to
these things. And for those who do not yet know You, give them the
wisdom to stop… and contemplate what has occurred so that they will
then turn and seek You out. May it be so! Amen.

...that
they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had
pleasure in unrighteousness.
2 Thessalonians 2:12

“That”
is referring to “God sends them a strong delusion” of verse 11.
As noted in the previous verse, the “strong delusion” or
literally, the “working of error” will be begun by God, but it
will be responded to by the people in a way where they carry the
blame for their actions. God is not purposefully sending people to
hell. He allows them to make their own beds, but He provides the
opportunity for them to do so. This is actually confirmed in the
coming words of this verse.

“They
all” is speaking of those referred to in verses 10 & 11. Paul
says (according to this translation) “that they all may be
condemned.” The word “condemned” here is incorrect, as is the
term “damned” used by the KJV. The Greek word krinó
simply means “to judge.” Condemnation may be implied here, but it
is based on judgment on those “who did not believe the truth.”
Here is the key to the entire passage, belief.

God
does not ask the world to do great or fantastic things in order to be
saved. He simply asks for faith. No matter how great or how fantastic
our deeds are, they can never replace faith in what He has offered.
In demonstrating faith, it then conveys the fact that God is
righteous. In accepting this, we then should naturally desire to
pursue Him in this capacity. But because of unbelief, those who are
to be judged “had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Such
a delight in that which is opposed to righteousness is incompatible
with what is true, moral, and holy. Instead of lacking understanding
what is right, they simply desire what is morally perverse; they
believe the lie. It is a willful rejection on their part, and it is
what condemns them. It is completely unnecessary to find an active
sending of delusion by God into the minds of man in order for him to
be judged. Rather, God provides the opportunity for those who
willingly reject Him to receive what they deserve.

Life
application: What does God desire from you? He simply asks for faith
in what Christ has done. From that springboard, we should naturally
desire to be like Him, to follow Him in righteousness, and to be holy
just as He is holy. If we fail to do these things, it does not negate
that we demonstrated the faith that saved us. If it were to do so,
then we would not be saved by grace through faith. Our salvation
would still be conditioned on what we do. Have faith, and then be
responsible enough to exercise that faith in right living.

Lord God, how weak we are in
our natural selves that we would see what Christ has done, accept it
by faith, and then be unwilling to do our best to emulate Him and be
obedient to Your word! You save us by your grace through faith, and
so help us to live out that salvation in a manner which is holy,
pure, and acceptable to You. And in order to do that, we must know
what You expect. And so give us the desire to pick up the Bible, read
it, and apply it to our lives. Amen.

But
we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved
by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation
through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
2 Thessalonians
2:13

Here
we have Paul, after his detailed discourse on end times events, going
back to a train of thought from the beginning of the epistle, and
then expanding on it. In verse 1:3, he said –

“We
are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting,
because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of
you all abounds toward each other…”

In
the same type of fashion, being bound to giving thanks, he begins
with, “But we.” There is an emphasis on the word “we” which
is given to contrast Paul and his associates with those mentioned in
verses 10-12. The contrast, though, is actually made between those
mentioned and the Thessalonians who, along with Paul and his
companions, are set apart from those who are lost. This is seen at
the end of the clause, “But we are bound to give thanks to God
always for you.”

Paul
has written of those who would be lost, and why they would be lost.
He would only do this as one who was setting himself apart from that
group. His words here unite the Thessalonian believers into that same
setting apart. This is first evidenced by the words, “brethren
beloved by the Lord.”

First,
they are “brethren.” Secondly, they are “beloved by the Lord.”
The word “beloved” is in the perfect tense, showing its completed
nature. They have been beloved by the Lord, and they are beloved of
the Lord. This is essentially the same phrase that he used of them in
1 Thessalonians 1:4 where he used the word “God” instead of
“Lord.” Thus, one can logically make the connection that in
Paul’s mind, Jesus the Lord is God.

It
is this Lord, who is God, that Paul continues his thoughts with. He
states, “because God from the beginning chose you.” This is the
only time in the New Testament that the Greek word translated as
“chose” is used concerning God’s election. It is used in the
Greek Old Testament (such as in Deuteronomy 26:18), which is surely
what is on Paul’s mind, concerning Israel having been chosen as the
Lord’s peculiar people.

As
this is not the ordinary word when speaking of election, implying His
eternal selection, it means that He has “taken for Himself.” He
has adopted them according to His eternal purpose. There is a group
of people who would come to Him by faith in Christ, and He has
adopted them as His own. This was His eternal selection, and it was
“from the beginning.” The words here mean “from eternity.”
God knew before He created what would come to pass, and who would
make certain choices, and He elected those “for salvation.”

God
chose to save certain people in a certain way, and He did it before
anything was created. “I will save, and this is how that salvation
will occur.” Paul then goes on to explain that process which is
first “through sanctification by the Spirit.” The words here
actually read in the Greek, “in sanctification by the Spirit.”
Sanctification is the mode of salvation. Christ did the work and, in
our faith in that, we are sanctified, thus bringing about our
salvation.

The
Spirit of God will sanctify those who are to be saved. This is
necessary because being saved implies that one is first fallen. One
must be saved “from” something and “to” something. Man is
fallen and separated from God; man must be sanctified in order to be
reconciled to God. This is the work of the Spirit, but it is based on
“belief in the truth.”

Belief
in the truth is man’s part in the equation. It is here contrasted
with those who “believe the lie” of verse 11, and "did not
believe the truth" of verse 12, of this same chapter. There,
those who did not believe were then said to be condemned. Here, those
who believe are said to be saved. In both, man is involved in the
process (synergism). God elected those who would believe; He elected
them to be sanctified by the Spirit; and He elected them to be saved.
God chose the means of salvation, and He laid it out for those who
would hear and heed.

Condemnation
already exists (John 3:18), but it is also a choice when one hears
and rejects the truth. One willingly stays in their default position
of condemnation, or that person willingly chooses the path of
salvation and is saved. The doctrine of monergism is not at all
evident in this process. It is true that the choice of how salvation
would come about is solely up to God, but the choice allows man to
freely choose that “how.” It also allows him to willingly decline
the same if it is presented to him.

Life
application: Salvation is a gift. A gift is not forced upon a person,
but it must willingly be accepted. The Person and work of Jesus
Christ is that gift, and it is offered to you to accept or reject. Be
wise; be discerning; choose life.

Lord God, You have offered a
Gift to the people of the world. It is a Gift of life. A gift which
is forced on another is no gift at all, and so You have given us a
choice to receive or decline Your Gift of Jesus and His finished work
on the cross. Those who receive this are the elect of God and will
never be separated from You again. New life has come! Thank you for
offering the Gift. May many people reach out and receive it today!
Amen.

...to
which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians
2:14

Look
carefully at the progression of thought that Paul has said in the
previous verse and in this one –

God
from the beginning chose you

For
salvation

Through
sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth to which He
called you

By
our gospel

He
uses a neuter relative pronoun, translated here as “which.” As
the preceding nouns (salvation, sanctification, and belief) are
either feminine or masculine, he is not referring to any of these
individually, but rather to all of them together. As Charles Ellicott
notes, it is “the general state of life which is compounded of
these three notions – ‘to which thing He called you.’” He
then notes that, “The election or choice takes place in eternity (2
Thessalonians 2:13); the call is at that point of time when the men
first hear the gospel. (See Romans 8:30).”

This
wonderful insight, which is confirmed in the tense of this relative
pronoun, clearly shows that the Calvinist view on predestination is
wrong. Though God chose in eternity past, the process is also clearly
based on a presentation of the gospel in the present of the believer.
God calls each by the gospel. If no gospel presentation is given,
salvation will not occur. As Paul says, “...faith comes by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Paul
shows that God calls us to salvation, sanctification, and belief by
the gospel, “for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus
Christ.” There are actually several different possibilities as to
how this final clause is translated –

1)
“...for the purpose of an acquisition of glory to Jesus Christ.”
This seems to indicate that the gospel was given in order for Jesus
to accumulate glory. It is true that Jesus indicates that He is
glorified in His disciples in John 17:10, but this doesn’t appear
to be Paul’s intent as he writes.

2)
“...for a glorious possession of Jesus Christ.” This would show
that the intent of our salvation and sanctification is so that we
would become subjects of Christ in His kingdom. It is true that this
will occur. Christ is our Head and we are His people, but once again
this doesn’t seem to be what Paul is thinking of.

3)
“...to be possessors or sharers in the glory of Jesus Christ.”
This appears to be what is on Paul’s mind. He relates this idea to
the saints at several times in several distinct ways. For example, in
Romans 8:17 he says that we will be “heirs of God and joint heirs
with Christ.” Paul is an apostle who is, at this time, telling his
readers what lies ahead for them because of the process that they
have gone through, and continue to go through.

Life
application: God has a plan. It is a plan which was in His mind
before He created anything. We must understand this, and in
understanding it, we can be assured that everything is exactly as it
should be. However, we also need to understand that His plan is being
worked out in the stream of time. The means of salvation is given in
His word – a presentation of the gospel message. That message must
then be received by the hearer of it. There is no external forcing in
this process, but rather a free-will decision by the believer.
Neither Paul, nor any other writer in the Bible, ever hints that we
are “regenerated in order to believe.” Be sure to open your mouth
and speak. People need to hear the word, and they must respond to
what they hear.

Lord God, thank you for having
granted us the choice to believe Your message or to reject it. This
then places all the glory on You for those who receive it, and it
places all the responsibility for failing to act upon those who
reject it; thus giving You the glory even in their rejection. Nobody
will be able to say, “It’s not fair!” on that great day when we
stand before You. You are sovereign, and You are gracious. Glory to
You in the highest. Amen.

Therefore,
brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught,
whether by word or our epistle.
2 Thessalonians 2:15

The
word “Therefore” is especially given based on Paul’s words back
in verses 1 & 2 of this chapter. However, he has supported those
words with everything else since. He said then to them that they
should not be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by
word or by letter, as if from them. In other words, “Anything you
have heard which has not been given to you by an apostle, or which
cannot be confirmed as apostolic in nature, is to be rejected
outright.” After that, he defended this position by reexplaining
what he had already explained to them, confirming that what he said
was to be taken as authoritative. Anything contradictory to that was
a false message.

He
then says again, “brethren.” He is addressing them as
fellow-believers in Christ, and he wants them to be sound in their
doctrine and faith. For this reason, he continues with the words,
“stand fast.” To stand is to be sound, fixed, and firm in
doctrine. They were not to waiver and be “soon shaken or troubled”
when some Johnny-come-lately passed along something which was not in
accord with sound apostolic teaching. To support this, he continues
with, “and hold the traditions which you were taught.”

“The
traditions” are those things which they first heard from Paul and
his associates, and which became ingrained in them. The word
“tradition” here means “from close-beside.” It indicates
something passed on from one generation to the next. As the apostles
gave them their first instruction in Christ. It was this, and this
alone, which they were to hold fast to. The word translated as “hold
fast” means to seize hold of and to put under one’s control. This
is what they were to do with the word given to them, and this is what
we are to do with the word, once delivered to us, today. We are to
hold fast to it, and we are not to be shaken by every wind of
doctrine which passes by. How sad that Paul’s words are pretty much
completely ignored by countless cults and unsound churches today!

He
finishes with the words, “whether by word or by our epistle.”
This is referring to the “traditions you were taught.” Those
things which are apostolic in nature, and which were either in
writing, or which would be codified in writing by other apostles,
form what we call “the word of God,” or “the Holy Bible.”
Once the word was recorded, and canonicity was determined, the word
was set. What we should ask God when we hear someone claim divine
inspiration over anything we hear is, “Shall I accept this, or will
I stand fast on Your word alone?” It is a question each person must
answer on his own. Is God’s word sufficient for our life and
practice, or is it not?

Life
application: This verse again shows us the truth of the doctrine of
apostolic inspiration. It further implies then that when the
apostolic age ended, no further revelation is given for our doctrine
and faith. Paul’s words show that people should only hold on to
what can be confirmed as from this divinely inspired process. It is
exactly the reason why we are to never accept prophetic utterances,
or claims of divine inspiration, by anyone else. The church age is
literally spattered with false teachers who have claimed divine
inspiration (and who continue to do so today), but none of their
messages are to be considered authoritative or acceptable.

Lord
God, You have spoken. Your word is set, and it is settled. May we
never accept any supposed “word” from You by those who would
attempt to add to what You have once and for all time delivered to
the saints for their life, doctrine, and practice. Help us to be
secure in our minds that the sixty-six books of the Bible are
all-sufficient for us to know Your intentions for us, and to reject
anything else which claims divine inspiration. You have spoken, and
we have a sure, precious, and understandable word. Amen.

Now
may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has
loved us and given us everlasting
consolation and good hope by grace,
2 Thessalonians
2:16

In
these words, Paul presents a prayer which is connected to the
exhortation he just made. He asked those in Thessalonica (and thus
us!) to “stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught,
whether by word or our epistle.” In response to these words, he
issues a prayer to confirm this in them. In a rather unusual
construction, he says, “Now may the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and
our God and Father...” In this, he begins with Jesus, and only then
does he move to the Father. This is the opposite of 1 Thessalonians
3:11 –

“Now
may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our
way to you.”

The
reason for placing the Lord Jesus first is because of words which
follow, and which describe the work of the Father. However, in doing
this, there is the implicit hint, as is seen so many times elsewhere,
of the equality of the Persons within the Godhead. The word “and”
between the two shows that they are separate and distinct (a Godhead
is thus identified), and that they are equal within this Godhead. As
this is a prayer made directly to Jesus, as well as to the Father, it
recognizes the equality of the two.

With
that understood, it says that it is God the Father “who has loved
us.” God the Father is the Source of the love which is being
expressed in the thought. His love for us is what then leads to
Paul’s next thought, that He has “given us
everlasting consolation.” These words describe a type of comfort
which is enduring, and which cannot be robbed from us. No matter
what happens, our comfort will endure. How untypical of all other
faiths where adherents place their lost loved ones in the grave, and
who then mourn their eternal loss. But this is completely untrue with
the Christian faith. As Paul noted in verse 13, God chose us “for
salvation in (as the Greek reads) sanctification by the Spirit.”

This
is the everlasting consolation now being referred to. Those in Christ
are saved, and they have been sanctified. Every terrifying thing
described earlier in the chapter (and elsewhere in Scripture)
concerning those who fail to come to Christ has no bearing on us.
Instead, we have the everlasting consolation “and good hope by
grace.” The words in Greek read “in grace.” This denotes the
mode of the everlasting consolation and good hope which we have been
given. Grace is the element in which it occurs and is experienced.
The words here then correspond to verse 13 –

“God
from the beginning chose you for salvation in
sanctification
by the Spirit and belief in the truth.”

“God
and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and
good hope in
grace.”

We
are chosen for salvation in sanctification, and we are given
everlasting consolation and good hope in grace. This shows us the
extent of the Father’s love for us. He sent Christ Jesus to
accomplish these things for us in order to reconcile us to Him, and
it is this Gift of Christ Jesus which is a reflection of His
unlimited grace. Praise be to God.

Life
application: If you struggle with the concept of the Trinity, that’s
OK. It is a difficult concept for us to grasp. Not fully
understanding something, however, does not mean that we cannot accept
it as true. The word of God clearly teaches this doctrine, and so we
are expected to accept it by faith, even if we do not fully
understand it. Have faith in God’s word, and do not let others
bring you into error because they are unwilling to take God at His
word.

Lord God, we may not
understand everything presented in Your word, but we can still have
faith that Your word is true. And this isn’t a naive trust in a
dubious thing. Rather, it is trust in a word which has confirmed
itself countless times. It has been proven true so many times that we
would be ignorant fools to not accept the parts we don’t yet get.
Our faith is grounded, and our hope is sure. We step into Your
revealed light when we enter into the pages of Scripture! Amen.

...comfort
your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.
2 Thessalonians 2:17

The
verse here is divided in a way where it cannot be taken alone. The
word “comfort” is based on Paul’s previous words – “Now may
our Lord Jesus Christ, and our God and Father … comfort your
hearts.” The word “comfort” here is tied into the intervening
words of that same verse which said, “who has loved us and given us
everlasting consolation and good hope by grace.” There, the word
“consolation” is a noun form of the closely corresponding verb
“comfort” here.

As
those in Thessalonica were facing trials and troubles, Paul is
praying that they will be comforted by the comfort which exists in
the Lord Jesus Christ, and in God the Father. He then adds in, “and
establish you in every good word and work.” To be established is to
be firm and fixed. It is to be unyielding when difficulties or
confrontations come. The word in Greek means to stand against
vacillation. And Paul applies it to “every good word and work.”

The
word is the word of God, and the doctrine which flows from it. The
work is applying that doctrine properly and in accord with the word.
It then is a thought more fully fleshed out by Paul in Ephesians
4:13, 14 –

“...till
we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the
fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed
to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the
trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.”

The
words of the word, combined with a right application of them, will
lead to good works which are suitable and pleasing to the Lord Jesus
Christ, and to God the Father. And this is exactly what is implied
here in Paul’s choice of words in the Greek. The verbs are in the
singular, but the corresponding pronouns are “the Lord Jesus
Christ” and “God the Father” of verse 16. Both are united in
the use of the singular verbs. Thus, once again, there is the
implication of the divine unity between these two Persons. It is
another reference to the nature of the Godhead.

Life
application: These words were written to those in Thessalonica, but
they are a part of the word of God. And so Paul’s words to them are
still a prayer of Paul to us today. They are a hope which endures
through the ages of the church age, and they are words which we can
rely on in our own times of trial and trouble, knowing that eons
before we existed, the faithful apostle was making this petition to
God on our behalf as well.

Glorious, precious, and
wonderful heavenly Father! It is good to give thanks and praise to
You. You have established us, You have granted us so very much good,
and You are merciful and forgiving of our failings when we submit
ourselves to You through Christ our Lord. Surely we are undeserving
of the least of Your favors, and yet You have lavished us with
abundance. Thank You for Your kind hand upon our lives. Amen.

Finally,
brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly
and be glorified, just as it
is with
you,
2 Thessalonians 3:1

Chapter
3 begins with the word, “Finally.” Though there were no chapter
and verse divisions in the original books of the Bible, this is a
logical place to begin the chapter. He has finished the main purpose
of the book with its theological discourse on the timing of the end
times. As was seen, those in Thessalonica had been disturbed by input
from someone telling them that the day of the Lord had already come.
Paul ensured them (and thus us!) that such was not the case, and that
we could know how this was true. He gave a concise and precise
detailing of the sequence of end-time events so that we wouldn’t be
duped by others, and so that we wouldn’t waste our time speculating
on who the Antichrist would be.

After
opening the final section, he immediately again says, “brethren.”
This is the fifth of seven times that he will say this in this short
book. Thus, he is ensuring they don’t forget that they are “beloved
by the Lord” (verse 2:13). Despite the things which may come
against them and afflict them, they are united in Christ as brethren.
With that understanding, he then petitions them for prayer.

As
brethren, this is right for him to ask, and for them to respond. Paul
was known for keeping his beloved brethren and their churches in
prayer (such as in verse 1:11), and he anticipated that they would
likewise be in prayer for him and those with him. And so with
specificity, he names the type of prayer they seek. It is “that the
word of the Lord may run swiftly.”
His request is reflected in the 147th
Psalm –

“He
sends out His command to
the
earth;

His
word runs very swiftly.” Psalm 147:15

The
request of Paul and his companions is that their work of spreading
the word would be swift, that it would not be in any way hindered,
and that it would be without any type of anxiety or stress which
could slow down its progress. And in addition to this, he asks that
they pray that the message conveyed will “be glorified.” This is
not asking for Paul and his associates to receive distinction or
honor, but that the message itself would be honored. The desire is
for the exaltation of the gospel message, and thus for the honor of
the Lord upon whom it is based. The thought is reflected in Acts 12
where it says that “the word of God grew and multiplied” (verse
24). This was the continued hope of Paul and his company.

Finally
he notes, “just as it
is
with you.” If they wanted to know exactly what to pray for, all
they needed to do was to look at how the word had taken hold in their
own church. It had been presented, received, and brought honor to the
Lord. This was the hoped-for condition of each place to be
encountered by Paul’s group.

Life
application: There are churches in towns and villages around the
world, but there are still places where the word has not been
conveyed. Churches are set groups that generally don’t go far
beyond their own places of meeting. But then there are missionaries
who are there specifically for that purpose. Even though churches
don’t head out from their home areas, they can, and should, support
those who do. This is one of the major purposes of the church. We are
to ensure that we don’t stagnate behind walls, but that we continue
to refresh ourselves and the gospel through the support of
missionaries.

Lord God, we who live and work
in various towns and cities enjoy gathering together to worship You
and hear Your word explained, but we are also grateful for those who
go out into the mission field, forsaking home and comfort, in order
to help others establish what we already possess. Today, we pray for
those who are willing to do this, knowing that they face times of
trial, difficulty, and loneliness. Be with them and guide them. May
their message run swiftly, and may Your word be glorified through
them. Amen.

...and
that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not
all have faith.2
Thessalonians 3:2

The
words here closely reflect those of Romans 15:31 –

“...that
I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe.”

Paul
was constantly hemmed in and persecuted by those who lacked faith. In
particular, it was the non-believing Jews. They hounded him, they
attacked him, and they did their best to destroy him. This was also
true among the Gentiles, but more often than not, their attacks were
first spurred on by the unbelieving Jews. The book of Acts carefully
details these things, and those in Thessalonica were perfectly aware
of this, having seen it in their own city first hand. Acts 17 records
this.

His
request here, “that we may be delivered from unreasonable and
wicked men,” is given to describe the request for prayer of the
previous verse. He had made his request, now he gives specific
details concerning that request that they can plug into their
prayers. The Greek actually has an article in front of
“unreasonable.” Thus, he is identifying a specific group of
people. It says, “and that we may be delivered from the
unreasonable and wicked men.” The word translated as “unreasonable”
is rather rare, being used just four times. It is an adjective which
signifies “out of place,” and thus “warped.”

There
was a specific group of people, warped in their thinking and action,
and who were also wicked. Paul desired that prayer be made against
them in order to hinder them from effectively stopping the swift and
effective transmission of the word of the Lord. To complete his
description of them, he says, “for not all have faith.” Again,
there is an article in the Greek which is lacking. It says, “the
faith.” People may have faith, but are misdirected in their faith.
He is unconcerned with their faith, and is targeting his concerns
concerning their lack of “the faith” in Christ Jesus. Their lack
of this particular faith is what makes them harmful. Not only do they
have faith (in something else), they use the faith they have against
“the faith” which Paul proclaims.

Again,
it seems certain that those of the Jewish faith are who Paul is
referring to. He was one of them and their culture, and he had once
worked with all of his might to destroy the faith which is found in
Christ. He knew the passion these enemies of the gospel possessed,
and he knew that prayer was effective in working against their
success.

Life
application: Paul asked for prayer. Paul wrote about his prayers. The
many examples of prayer that he gives us are intended to show us that
prayers are not unnecessary, and that they are effective. It may seem
pointless to pray to the God who already knows all things, but it is
not. We pray and He hears. A prayer which is not uttered is a prayer
which will probably not be acted upon.

Lord God, help us to improve
our prayer lives. Your word shows us that prayers are both expected,
and that they are effective. Should we presume to know more than the
word You have given us? Rather, help us to live in accord with Your
word, and to be people who pray with conviction, and in hopes of a
favorable response. And should the response not be favorable, help us
to understand that Your wisdom is far higher than ours. In the end,
we will see why all things have transpired as they have. Amen.

But
the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you
from the evil one. 2
Thessalonians 3:3

Here
Paul makes a play upon the words of the previous verse –

“for
not all have (the) faith.”

“But
the Lord is faithful.”

He
is taking the same word, and applying it in two ways. He does this
also in Romans 3:3. Here, he is in essence saying, “Not everyone
possesses the faith. Despite this, the Lord is faithful.” The
implication is that for all who have the faith, He is and always will
be faithful. That is then explained in the next words. The Lord, who
is faithful, “will establish you.” The word indicates “to
firmly plant.” He had just prayed for the Thessalonians in verse
2:17 using this exact same word. Now, having made that prayer, he
notes that it will be as he has prayed. This is based upon the
faithful nature of God towards those who are in Christ Jesus.

And
more than being established, he says that the Lord will also “guard
you
from the evil one.” Some translations simply say “evil.”
However, with an article before evil, it should be translated as “the
evil,” or “the evil one.” The personification of evil, or the
source of evil, meaning the devil, is what is being presented. Again,
like the word “faith,” he is using the same word as in the
preceding verse, translated there as “wicked,” in order to make a
play on the words –

“and
that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked (evil) men.”

“the
Lord will guard you
from the evil one.”

Note
how he had just asked for prayers for himself and those with him in
verse 1 & 2, but how in this verse he has spoken only in the
second person. He immediately reverted from his needs to a note of
comfort for his beloved brethren. The attitude is selfless and
“other” directed. He trusts that the prayers of the church will
be effective for him and his companions, and so he redirects
immediately for their sake.

Life
application: It is good to remember, even when we are in times of
need, to extend words of comfort and edification to others. If we can
trust that those we hope to receive comfort from will have us in
prayer, then they are doing what they can for us. With this
assurance, we should remember to build them up in their own walk
through this world of trial and difficulty.

Most wonderful Lord! It is
such a blessing to be able to share in prayer with others in our
times of need. At various times, we all have needs. When it is our
time, how wonderful it is to know others are praying for us. And so
when their time comes, help us to be mindful to also pray for them.
And surely You are attentive to all prayers of Your redeemed people.
We know this is true because we have the perfect Mediator who never
fails us! Thank You for this. Amen.

And
we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and
will do the things we command you.
2 Thessalonians 3:4

Paul
just said, “But the Lord is faithful.” In agreement with that, he
continues with, “And we have confidence in the Lord concerning
you.” Paul’s confidence is not at all in the faithfulness of
those in Thessalonica. Instead, it is a confidence for them which is
grounded in the Lord. This is the same thing that he relays to
others, such as the church in Philippi –

“...being
confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in
you will complete it
until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippines 1:6

Paul
understood the wretched state of the human heart, and its ability to
not effectively work out anything but evil. However, when one is in
Christ, there is the truth that Christ’s power and purposes can be
realized in us in a way which was previously not possible. This
doesn’t mean that saved believers are automatons which can rely on
Christ doing everything for us, but that when we are willing to
submit to Him, we are able to do what He expects of us. Our human
will is not excluded from the process, and we can choose to work out
evil even after coming to Christ. But if we desire to do as He wills,
He will ensure that it is possible for us to do so.

Paul
then states what that confidence in his hearers is – “both that
you do and will do the things we command you.” It is the same
formula which is found throughout Paul’s writings. God presents an
offer; man receives the offer. It is a synergistic working of God’s
divine offer and assistance being coupled with man’s human efforts.

This
does not mean that man’s works are credited for salvation. God has
done all the work, but man must respond to the offer by exercising
faith. Romans 3:27 excludes faith as being considered a work. After
salvation, our proper walk in Christ follows this same pattern, but
it then involves human effort beyond faith. We must “work out [our]
own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippines 2:12).

As
far as the word “command.” It is a word which signifies a
watchword or command that has full authorization because it has gone
through the right and correct channels. Paul’s commission is
specifically noted in Acts 9. He (and those with him) had the full
authority of Christ Jesus to make such commands as authorized by the
Lord. He will begin to give some such commands in just two verses.

Life
application: As always, Paul notes that we must actively do something
in order for God’s will to be realized in our lives. The Lord makes
it possible for us to be pleasing to God, but we still must do in
accord with that which the Lord makes possible. Obedience to the
Lord’s will must be an active part of our lives, or we will not be
pleasing to the Lord.

Heavenly Father, in Christ,
You have given us the ability to be pleasing to You, but we also must
respond to that divine assistance. To be saved, we must demonstrate
faith. To walk rightly, we must demonstrate obedience. Help us to do
according to Your will in all things by granting us the wisdom to
rightly discern what Your will is, and then to act upon it. To Your
glory we pray. Amen.

Now
may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the
patience of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5

An
implicit reference to the Trinity is stated here. “Now may the Lord
direct your hearts” is a work which properly belongs to the Holy
Spirit. “The Lord” here would be, in Paul’s mind, the Greek
rendering of the divine Hebrew name of God.” In the Greek, it is a
general word for God, but the order of the verse is showing us that
he is thinking of the sacred name first, which he then breaks down
into the Persons and workings of the Godhead.

“Into
the love of God” gives the sense of, “So that you may love God.”
This doesn’t mean that they didn’t yet love God, but Paul is
petitioning that they will always be directed to love God. It is
comparable to saying to a couple on their wedding, “May the power
of love direct your heart into the love of one another.” They are
already in love, but the appeal is that they will always be in love,
and drawn into the love of one another. It is as if the love is a
safe haven from all the cares and worries which could otherwise steal
away the joy of being united. And to ensure that this love is
strengthened so that it can be realized, he finishes with “and into
the patience of Christ.”

Christ
was able to face His trials patiently because his heart was fully
directed to the love of God. But it is also true that His patience
in those trials made it possible for Him to be directed into the love
of God. The two work hand in hand to form a complete whole. In our
trials, we need to be patient, understanding that God has a good end
for us, even if the immediate moments are seemingly unbearable. And,
in our trials we need to direct our hearts into the love of God so
that we may be patient through the trials. Each is a part of the
whole, and together they will keep us on the right path towards the
good end which lies ahead for the people of God.

And
these things are needed based on what he had said in the previous
verse. He had just said, “And we have confidence in the Lord
concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command
you.” By having our hearts directed into the love of God, and also
by having the patience of Christ, we will certainly have the desire
and the ability to do the things we are commanded to do. This is
Paul’s heartfelt prayer for those in Thessalonica (and thus us!).

Life
application: Times of trial are certain to come, but if we are
properly directed, and if we are determined to patiently endure them,
then those trials will not destroy our faith. Instead, we will be
able to maintain it through the trials. If we are lacking these
things, we should pray for the Lord to direct us and establish us in
them. He will graciously grant such a request, as He has done for the
countless faithful who have gone before us.

It is a tough life, O God.
Even on the best of days, we can get misdirected and tossed about in
a moment. In this, we can quickly lose our direction. How much more
true is this when extended times of trial and trouble cross our path.
In such times, help us to remember that You are there. Direct our
heart to loving you even more, and give us the patience which Christ
Himself demonstrated in His own hour of trial. Surely, as He
prevailed, so we can too. Help us in this, O faithful and glorious
God. Amen.

But
we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not
according to the tradition which he received from us.
2 Thessalonians
3:6

In
verse 4, Paul noted his confidence that the Thessalonians would do
the things that were commanded them. He now gives such a command,
specifically stating it as such. But, he again calls them “brethren.”
It is a command based on their place in Christ, and one which is
intended to ensure harmony within that placement. To further bolster
this, he then says, “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This
is what made them “brethren” in the first place.

Because
of their standing in Christ, and under the authority of that name
which was given to Paul (and those with him), he issues his first of
a series of commands and exhortations. This first command is “that
you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly.” The word he
uses is only found elsewhere in 2 Corinthians 8:20. It gives the
sense of “taking precaution” against. In modern lingo, we might
nod towards such a person and quietly say under our breath, “Watch
out for that guy.”

This
is not a formal excommunication, but it is a strong warning to not
get tangled up with such a person. Most churches of any size at all
have one or two people like this. They are given instruction, and
they refuse to apply it to their lives. Thus, they are disorderly.
The word so translated is an adverb found twice, both in this chapter
(see verse 11 for its second use). As an adjective, it is used in 1
Thessalonians 5:14 where it is translated as “unruly.” It
signifies someone who walks in an insubordinate manner towards the
word of God, and is thus fruitless. He lacks proper discipline.

The
reason he is this way is because his walk is “not according to the
tradition which he received from us.” The “tradition” Paul
speaks of is an authoritative standard which is expected to be passed
on and adhered to. As it says, it is “from us.” It is that which
is apostolic in nature. As it is, it ultimately receives its
authority from Christ the Lord.

Today,
with the Bible complete, there is no such tradition which is not
found there. In other words, with the ending of the apostolic age,
any other “traditions” are from men and not from God. They may be
useful, but they are do not carry the same authoritative stamp. Papal
edicts, books of discipline, etc, can be amended. The word of God
cannot. It is this word of God which carries the “traditions”
which Paul speaks of here.

Life
application: Churches often place high value on written codes which
are extra-biblical, using them for the practical guidance of their
gatherings. This is rather unfortunate, as has been seen among many
long-standing denominations in recent years. One example is the Book
of Discipline found in the Methodist church. It was given with
guidelines concerning morality which were originally closely aligned
with biblical standards. However, those standards have lately been
changed, or are being evaluated for change, to allow all kinds of
unbiblical perversion. Instead of going back to the source, meaning
the Bible, they have altered the traditions which were man-given.
This is error. Either the Bible is the rule and guide of our walk, or
we have no proper source by which we will conduct ourselves in accord
with God’s standards.

Lord
God, codes of conduct, papal edicts, books of discipline, etc., can
all be amended or superseded, but the Word of God stands forever.
Help us to redirect our lives away from such things, and to correct
our walk before you based on Your word alone. There is way too much
perversion in churches today because they have decided upon their own
moral standards instead of relying on what You have instructed. And
with this turning from Your word, only a sad expectation of wrath and
indignation can be expected. Wow! We sure don’t want that! Help us
to stick to Your word for our holy conduct. Amen.

For
you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not
disorderly among you;
2 Thessalonians
3:7

The
word “For” is given here based on the words of the previous verse
which exhorted those in Thessalonica to “withdraw from every
brother who walks disorderly...” It then is explained in this and
in the coming verse. Now, he says, “For you yourselves know.” As
he has done on numerous occasions, Paul calls to memory what occurred
in the past. Each time he does this, it solidifies his argument and
his exhortations, because there can be no doubt of what he relays. He
and his associates acted in a certain way, and they saw it with their
own eyes.

Understanding
this, he goes further by saying that they know “how you ought to
follow us.” The meaning of “follow” is “to imitate.” In the
manner that he and his fellow-workers acted, the church should also
act. The missionaries had set the standard, and those ministered to
should take note and follow accordingly. This “how you ought to
follow us” is actually described by him in his first letter to them
–

“You are witnesses,
and God also, how
devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you
who believe; 11 as
you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one
of you, as a father does his
own children, 12 that
you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and
glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:10

The
final words of the verse, “for we were not disorderly among you,”
are not meant to contrast for the purpose of condemning. Rather, they
are words of contrast for the purpose of exhortation that they would
choose and walk on the right path. The Greek word he uses which is
translated as “disorderly” is the verb form of the adverb he used
in the previous verse which was also translated as “disorderly.”
Thus, he is saying, “Just as you are to withdraw from those who are
disorderly, you should emulate one who is marching in proper order,
for we were not walking in a disorderly way among you.”

He
is using a negative in order to form a positive example in the eyes
of the Thessalonians. Like his description of himself in his first
letter, he will next again provide concrete examples of the conduct
he and his associates demonstrated while he was among them.

Life
application: Paul’s words are as much to us as they were to his
original audience. If we want to live properly, all we need to do is
go to the Bible and apply its precepts to our own lives. This is
especially so with the words of Paul’s epistles. They are our
“marching orders” during this dispensation. All Scripture is
profitable for this purpose, but his words are especially directed to
this Gentile-led church age.

It
is such an honor to know that we can come to You, O God, and to ask
You for our heart’s desire because of the mediation of Christ.
There is no longer any fracture between us. The veil is rent, and we
have full and unfettered access to Your throne of grace. Help us to
be confident in our prayer life, and help us to use this privilege
and honor wisely so that our prayers will be pleasing to Your ears.
Thank You, O God, for our intimate line of communication in Christ.
Amen.

...nor
did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and
toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you,
2 Thessalonians 3:8

These
words are not just descriptive reminders, but they are instructive as
well. Paul just said, “For you yourselves know how you ought to
follow us.” By stating what they did, he is instructing what those
in the church should do. He began that instruction by stating they
were “not disorderly.” Now he continues in this verse with, “nor
did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge.”

Paul
and his companions didn’t just come to town, proclaim the gospel,
and then say, “As your instructors, we hope you will provide for
our means while we are among you preaching and teaching.” Instead,
he uses a Hebraism – “eat anyone’s bread” – to show that
they tended to their own basic needs. “Bread” here is used as a
metaphor for that which sustains life. Not only did they shun pay for
their instruction, they even refused to accept a gift (free of
charge) for the most commonly needed of provision. Instead, they
“worked with labor and toil night and day.”

They
were willing to expend themselves for the sake of those they
ministered to rather than accept what they were actually rightfully
due. Elsewhere Paul says, “The laborer is
worthy of his wages” (1 Timothy 5:8). He also says, “Let him who
is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches”
(Galatians 6:6). However, it is obvious that Paul and his associates
perceived that there was a streak of slothfulness in the
Thessalonians which needed to be rebuked through living example. As
Charles Ellicott notes, “There is a flavour of scorn in St. Paul’s
disclaimer of such a parasite’s life.”

In
order to quench this attitude among the Thessalonians, they worked
all the more heartily, even night and day, in order to be living
examples of how to conduct one’s affairs. This is all the more
certain, because he and his associates were willing to receive pay at
other churches (see 2 Corinthians 11:8). But for those churches which
needed proper guidance in how to conduct life’s affairs, they would
go the extra mile in being the right example. This was so “that we
might not be a burden to any of you.”

In
seeing this example, they would hopefully learn to rightly live as
well. Instead of being freeloaders, they would learn hard work,
industry, and making one’s own way in life. This will continue to
be seen as Paul continues.

Life
application: With the advent of liberal policies, and handouts from
the government, being a freeloader has become an acceptable part of
society. However, it is not an acceptable attitude according to the
Bible. The book of Proverbs, in particular, has strong words against
such people. They are leeches that need to be scraped off from the
bloodied flesh they cling to, and they need to either fend for
themselves, or suffer the consequences of their own idleness.

Lord God, You word teaches
that each man is to be industrious, and to earn his own way. We are
not to be freeloaders who rely on others, whether individuals or
governments. It’s unfortunate that the policies of those in power
have led to a generation of freeloaders and leeches. We would pray
that this would change. If a man has two working hands and two
working feet, he needs to be responsible for his own way in life, or
he needs to be cut off as a pariah. You have made us to be
industrious, and so help us to be just that. Honorably working in
society – helpful to others, and glorifying of You. Amen.

...not
because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of
how you should follow us.
2 Thessalonians
3:9

One
can see the importance of apostolic authority in Paul’s words. He
has explained why he and his associates did not impose upon those in
Thessalonica. It was because they did not desire to be a burden on
them. However, he now notes that they had every right to do so with
the words, “not because we do not have authority.” They had a
legitimate right to partake of anything any other apostle was
entitled to. They bore the word of God, and they transmitted it to
the church there.

The
implication is that bearing the word of God carries this authority.
As the word of God comes through the apostles, only those who bear
the word of God, as given by the apostles, have such a right to the
same authority. And as there is only one word of God, only those who
hold to it alone have a true right to what accompanies its
transmission. Someone who stands in the pulpit and dismisses the word
of God, or who adds to it, has no authority, or has abused his
authority. He is to be rejected. This is all implied in how Paul
reveals these truths. The word of God alone is our authority within
the church.

He,
and his associates, possessed that authority, but they did not
exercise it. This was, as he says, “to make ourselves an example.”
The words “to make” means “so that we might give.” They were
setting themselves as examples for those in Thessalonica to learn
from and to emulate. They had purposefully acted as they did with the
intent of teaching those who were slothful among the church. They
were to learn by it in hopes that they would emulate what they saw.
This is revealed in the words, “of how you should follow us.”
Paul and his companions had set themselves as a model, and this model
was expected to be applied to the lives of those in the church.

What
is seen here is a letter which centers on the coming rapture of the
church, and then the coming Day of the Lord. It is to be inferred
that there were congregants who were sitting around doing nothing
because it was so much easier to speculate about the coming of the
Lord than it was for them to get up, get out, and work. And it was
also so much easier than studying the word, gaining sound theology,
and actually applying Scripture to their lives.

They
were the forerunners of today’s YouTube prophecy addicts who spend
all their time in the realm of “goofy” instead of in the realm of
reality. They didn’t want to work, and they used the soon-coming of
the Lord as an excuse to not do just that. They didn’t want to
strain their minds on sound theology, and they mishandled Scripture
in order to avoid learning to rightly apply it.

Before
YouTube, one can see them setting up stalls on the road and promoting
their wares for everyone to see. Instead of a DONATE button, they had
a DONATE slot. Instead of computer graphics, they had their wife
paint a bizarro screen at the back of the stall. And instead of an
open Bible, filled with study notes, they listened to words of false
teachers (see verses 2:1-3), or they simply made things up out of
their own heads, passing it off as the truth of God. Paul is (and
will continue) telling them that this is not appropriate. They needed
to get out there, work, and stop idly speculating about something
which is known but to God alone.

Life
application: Paul set the example of work and industry. Stop watching
60 hours of YouTube a week, get up, get out, and get to work. And in
your free time, read the Bible.

Lord God, Your word sets forth
an example for Your people that we are to be hard working,
self-sufficient, and industrious. It also informs us that this is so
because idle speculation about the Lord’s return is unproductive,
it is time-wasted, and it is harmful to the body. This can all be
inferred from Your word, and some of it is explicit. Help us to get a
grip, get off YouTube, and get to work – always anticipating, but
never expecting, the great Day when Jesus comes to take us home. Whoo
hoo. Oh what a day that will be. Amen.

For
even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not
work, neither shall he eat.
2 Thessalonians 3:10

Food:
When you’re hungry, nothing satisfies like food. Paul now ties this
wonderful necessity in with an oft-dreaded word, “work.” We both
need food, and we enjoy food. We often do not like work, but
according to Paul, we need to work if we want that other thing we
need and enjoy, “food.” He links the two together as if they are
one.

This
verse seems to be tied back to verse 6 –

“But
we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not
according to the tradition which he received from us. … For even
when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not
work, neither shall he eat.”

And
so, “For when we were with you,” is first based on that command,
and then it was practically lived out by Paul and his associates in
verses 7-9. Next, “we commanded you this,” is tied to what is
spoken at the beginning of verse 6, “But we command you.” This is
now repeated in the epistle to remind them of what they had said.
While in Thessalonica, it was evident that some were unwilling to
work, but instead were sponging off the kindness of others. “Gee,
we’re all Christians here, you wouldn’t let a hungry brother
down, now would you?”

This
is something that is still seen 2000 years later. Some people use
their status as Christians to guilt other Christians into tending to
them, even for their basic necessities. It happens to individuals,
and it happens to churches. There are sponges all over the place who
take advantage of this. But Paul advises the Thessalonians (and thus
us!) to not be duped into this kind of thing. He says quite clearly,
“If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”

It
is not an optional thing, and Paul actually presents nothing new.
Solomon speaks of the need to be industrious on several occasions,
and he tells the sad results of being a lazy-Joe –

Go
to the ant, you sluggard!

Consider
her ways and be wise,

7
Which, having no
captain,

Overseer
or ruler,

8
Provides her
supplies in the summer,

And
gathers her food in the harvest.

9
How long will
you slumber, O sluggard?

When
will you rise from your sleep?

10
A little sleep,
a little slumber,

A
little folding of the hands to sleep—

11
So shall your
poverty come on you like a prowler,

And
your need like an armed man. Proverbs 6:6-11

In
Paul’s words then, there is nothing out of the ordinary, nothing
un-Christian, and nothing harsh. Rather, there is wisdom which is
intended to 1) Get lazy people up off their duffs and out into the
world to earn their bread, and 2) Save industrious people from being
seduced by those in category 1. We should not feel the slightest bit
guilty when a person actually has to miss a meal because he spent the
day at the beach, or whittled his time away on an iPad.

Life
application: For obtaining life-prolonging food-intake, get to work.

Lord God, what a treasure it
is to open Your word and find in it the words, “If anyone will not
work, neither shall he eat.” Wow! That takes the burden off those
who are willing to get out and earn their own way. They don’t have
to be used by sluggards and lazy people, and they don’t need to
feel guilty when a lazy-Joe misses a meal or two because play is more
important that work to him. Whoo hoo! Those who are capable, but
don’t get to work, can entertain us with growly-tummy noises. We’ll
pray they learn their lesson and get to work! Amen.

For
we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly
manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.
2 Thessalonians 3:11

The
words “For we hear,” are an indication that some were at the
church in Thessalonica, and they were personal witnesses of those who
were being lazy and sponging off of others. It was probably the
carriers of his first letter back
to the church. They took
the letter and had a visit, probably a bit horrified that those who
had accepted Paul’s gospel presentation and instruction were
already departing from it, and receiving false words from others.

The
source may have been someone from the church itself as well,
dispatched to get Paul’s thoughts on what was going on. Either way,
he has been giving direction, instruction, and correction based on
this saddening news, which is “that there are some who walk among
you in a disorderly manner.”

He
has already instructed that the church members were to “withdraw
from every brother who walks disorderly” among them (verse 3:6).
Now he shows that this wasn’t just an arbitrary statement of
instruction, but a preparation for specific accusation, which is now
given. Those who were disorderly (and they were already there in the
church) were to be withdrawn from. Here they were, repeating false
doctrines which had been received from unreliable sources, and they
were spreading them around like a growing virus. The way to end this
was to end any contact with them.

While
most
in the church were being productive, living their lives out in a
sound and reasonable manner, these sensationalists were “not
working at all.” Instead, they were “busybodies.” In the Greek,
there is a play on words which is wholly lacking in the English
translation. The word “working” is ergazomai.
The word “busybodies” is periergazomai.
It is used only here in the Bible, and it is a superlative word. Peri
means “all around,” and so one gets the idea of “working all
around,” and thus meddling.

Instead
of doing what should be done, they had their noses in the work of
everyone else, fixating on what they were up to. In this, one can
almost see then what they would do next. “Gee, you are too busy
making a living. Don’t you know that the Day of the Lord has come
(or the rapture is going to happen on 23 September). Why are you
wasting your time? But, seeing as how you have your wages coming in,
why don’t you give me a bit for lunch...”

Whatever
attitude was demonstrated in these people, it included a theological
misunderstanding (or intentional falsification) of the sequence of
events concerning the return of Christ and the tribulation period. In
their mishandling of what was to occur, they were not being
productive, and they were leeching off of those who were. And doesn’t
this sound like the rapture date-setters of today! They put out video
after video, monetizing those videos, robbing people of their time
which would otherwise be spent more productively, and leading those
uninformed in Scripture down unsound paths of doctrine. And with the
link to the DONATE button, they rake it in at the expense of people
who are too unclear in their life and doctrine to see they are being
duped.

Paul
has set the timeline of events in his writings, but because people
are unwilling to study the word, they get caught up in the false
teachings of these people who should otherwise be, as Paul directly
commands, stayed away from. How sad it is that people won’t take
the time to simply learn the Bible. In this, they will stop
speculating, and they would learn to devote their time, work, and
resources to productive things. Rapture-schmapture. It will happen
when it happens, and so we can cherish the thought in our heart
without becoming duped into false hopes by these abhorrent people.

Life
application: Still watching videos and reading commentaries about a
particular date for the rapture? Try reading your Bible instead.

Lord God, there have been
enough false-predictions about the return of Jesus that maybe it’s
time we should just stop paying attention to this nonsense. Maybe…
maybe we should instead just read our Bibles each day, and then get
out to our jobs, be industrious and hard working there, and then
devote our free time to something worthwhile, like telling people
about their need for Jesus. What an innovative idea… maybe we
should. Amen.

Now
those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus
Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. 2
Thessalonians 3:12

It
is of note that Paul uses the word translated as “command” a
total of 12 times in all of his letters, and yet four (one-third) of
them are in 2 Thessalonians, and all four are in this chapter. It is,
therefore, a clear indication that he is not just a bit miffed about
the attitude of those sponging off of others in the church, but he is
highly upset about it. These, the forerunners of “rapture
date-setters,” are uninterested in hard work and sound doctrine,
and they are an annoyance to the body. Each time they believe someone
who says, “The day of the Lord has come,” and then pass it on to
others, they cause harm. Each time they say, “The rapture will be
on this day because...,” they cause people to stop their productive
lives, and to hope on that which is not based on any type of reality.

Paul
had already told the church the things he knows of concerning the
end-times when he was with them (2:5), and then he repeated that in
this letter. No “word from the Lord” will come along and change
these things, and no special insights into when these things will
occur will ever be forth-coming, thus contradicting Paul’s words of
this letter. Therefore, it is a waste of time and energy to focus on
them. Instead, he directs his words to this particular group saying,
“Now those who are such...”

It
is those who are not willing to work, but are spending all their time
being unproductive and passing on unsound theology that he is writing
to. Instead of living productive lives, they sponge off of those who
do, and sway them with words which have no basis in authoritative
words of the apostles (today, those words of the apostles which have
been recorded and saved are a portion of the Bible).

It
is to these that he says, “we command and exhort.” A command is a
directive – “You are to do this thing.” The words require
attention and action. However, he immediately follows up with “and
exhort” in order to lesson the chance of angry rebellion by those
he is commanding. These are, after all, date-setters who are easily
miffed over being told their doctrine is unsound. Thus, the word
“exhort” is given as a friendly, hopeful way of them taking the
“command” in a positive way instead of stomping off in an angry
huff.

Remember
that it is the same group of people whom he commanded to be withdrawn
from in verse 6. Those words were for the people of the congregation
who weren’t caught up in the idle speculation. These words are for
those who are. “The congregation is to withdraw from you, but you
can be brought back into a right relationship with them if you stop
this nonsense, get to work, and earn your own bread.” This is still
applicable today. We are to withdraw from rapture date-setters until
they stop their disturbing posts and learn to be productive. They can
then be brought again into a right relationship with the church.

And
to bolster his words, Paul continues on with the note that the
command and exhortation is “through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Some
manuscripts say “in” instead of “through,” but the title is
where the main focus is. Whether Christ directly gave this command
(which He in fact did in Acts 1:7, 8), or whether Paul is simply
giving it under inspiration as an apostle, the words are given by
authority of the name of the Lord. And the command and exhortation is
“that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.”

“Folks,
it’s time to stop listening to non-biblical things, to stop
spreading those things, and to get to work. At the end of the day,
you’ll have your pay, and you can go buy your own food with it.
Stop interrupting the church. Stop idly speculating on the day of the
rapture. Get wisdom. Get sound instruction. Stand approved before the
Lord.” All of this and so much more is tied up in Paul’s words.
There are souls who need to hear about Jesus, and it won’t get done
while people are watching videos about the rapture coming up on
Friday. There are people who see Christians watching those videos and
who laugh at them each time another date passes by without anything
happening. And there is the name of the Lord which is brought to
shame each time this occurs.

Life
application: If you see what appears to be a really interesting
looking video about the prophetic timeline pointing to the coming
tribulation and the rapture of the church, don’t watch it.

Heavenly Father, You have a
wonderful plan of redemption laid out for the world. It’s been
going on for a long, long time. We are living in a small moment of
that plan, and we have this one short chance to be a productive part
of it. Help us to be properly directed in our attitude towards the
gospel. Help us not to waste our time on idle speculation about the
rapture or the coming tribulation period, but to quietly tuck those
things into our minds, and keep on working diligently in our daily
lives as workers at our jobs, and as Christians with a duty to share
the good news of redemption in Christ. Amen.

But
as
for
you, brethren, do not grow weary in
doing good. 2
Thessalonians 3:13

Here
we have a subtle jab at those referenced in the previous two verses.
Paul has said that he who “will not work, neither shall he eat.”
He then built upon that, pointing out these sluggards and what they
should do in verse 12. Now, he gives a contrast to them with the
words, “But as
for
you, brethren.”

In
other words, he is making a distinction between the two. He has
cumulatively called all (both hard worker and sluggard) “brethren”
quite a few times already, but he has told those who are diligent and
industrious to “withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly
and not according to the tradition which he received from us”
(verse 6).

He
acknowledges that they are brothers, but now in this verse he gives
them a poke by using the term “brethren” as applying to those who
aren’t like them. There are brothers, and then there are brothers!
The intent here is to convict those who are sitting around watching
crazy YouTube rapture videos all day, and who then pass on this false
information to the church, to stop doing this, to get to work, to be
examples of Christ, and to be obedient to His will.

After
this direct and convicting opening, he then tells the “brethren”
that they are to “not grow weary in
doing good.” The word translated as “weary” is used once by
Luke and five times by Paul. It gives the sense of fainting. Paul is
exhorting the brethren to not allow anything to
interfere
with doing good, even exhaustion itself. The word translated as
“doing good” is used just this once in the Bible. It comes from
two Greek words which together give the sense of “doing good that
inspires others to rise up and do what is noble” (HELPS Word
Studies).

This
exhortation is tied back to the “patience of Christ” of verse 5.
Just as Christ continued in His ministry, never faltering in His
work, so we are to likewise act. And, we are to do so by inspiring
others in the process. The contrast between the sluggardly
rapture/Day of the Lord date-setters and those who are acting
properly is crystal clear. While they are doing nothing of value,
wasting time, and harming the walk of others, those who are obedient
to the word are productively working, making the best use of the time
they are allotted, and their work is inspiring others on to their
noble work as well.

Life
application: Are you a rapture date-setting sluggard, or are you a
person interested in the whole counsel of God, and in sharing your
interest in the word with others? Paul has set a distinction between
the two. If you are the former, he tells the rest to withdraw from
you. If you are the latter, he tells others to emulate you. Which
will receive commendation from the Lord on that Day? Hmmm… I wonder
which.

Lord God, our main hope and
goal in this life, and in everything we do, should be to receive
commendation from You on the Day we stand before You. What a waste to
think that You would save us through the agonizing cross of Calvary,
and then after accepting what You have done, fritter our time away
doing nothing productive in return! Help us to think this through
clearly. This life is a breath and then it will be gone. We should
endeavor to use it to Your glory right up until the end. Amen.

And
if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person
and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
2 Thessalonians 3:14

In
these words, Paul is working for unity within the body, not division.
But by calling for division from sluggards, it is a call for those
who need to be withdrawn from to wake up from their slumber, get
their act in order, and become productive, compliant members of the
church. It must be remembered that the entire discourse here is based
on the fact that some in the church had been swayed by a false word
concerning the end times (verses 2:1, 2). From that departure, they
had become unproductive members of the body, lollygagging around, and
interrupting a normal environment of right worship and proper daily
life.

Understanding
this, he begins the verse with, “And if any man.” This is the
call for division in hopes of obtaining unity. The reason this is so,
is that the person is already divided from the body in a general
sense. He is not in accord with the rest, and so there is no point in
allowing him to continue to be in fellowship with the church. The
reason why he isn’t in accord with the rest is because he, as Paul
says, “does not obey our word in this epistle.”

“This
epistle” is based on apostolic authority, derived from Christ
Jesus. Therefore, such a person is being disobedient to the word of
God. This continues on today because the epistle has found a
permanent place in the word of God. Therefore, the command applies
just as much today as it did when it was received by the church at
Thessalonica. And the instruction given is to “note that person and
do not keep company with him.”

The
word translated as “note” means “to set a mark upon.” The
individual is to be highlighted as if branded so that we are
constantly reminded of his errant ways. Until he is compliant, the
note is to remain. It’s not enough to say, “Oh, he’s not
holding to the word, but in this case he has an interesting insight I
think you should hear.” Instead, he is to be noted, and to be
completely ignored.

As
seen above, the main thrust of the letter concerns adhering to the
word of God concerning end times. It is a call to not speculate on
what belongs to the Lord alone (see Acts 1:7 and 1 Thessalonians
5:1). As this is disobedience to the words of Jesus, and the words of
Paul (who is Jesus’ representative), we are to not keep company
with date setters. We are not to watch their videos on YouTube, and
we are not to attend their conferences, if applicable. Instead, we
are to remain productive members of the church, not idle speculators
wasting precious time which should be directed towards attaining
spiritual maturity.

Paul’s
words, however, are certainly all-encompassing. Anyone who is not
obedient to the words of his epistles – regardless of the
infraction – is to be kept away from. Though the words here are
centered on end-times date-setters, they must also pertain to all
flagrant ignoring of church-age doctrine. He then finishes up with an
explanation of why he commands this with, “that he may be ashamed.”
In the coming verse, he will further define this, but for now, the
intent is one of correction.

Rapture
date setters shouldn’t be applauded for their diligence in trying
to determine when the rapture will be. They should be shunned for
being an embarrassment on the body. Such is true with any infraction.
A brother who is sexually immoral is to be expelled from the body
because he is bringing disgrace upon the name of Christ, and his
actions are harmful to those who may think it is otherwise OK to act
in this way. Such things should not be. The place to find out what is
and what is not acceptable is the word of God. When it is not adhered
to, action must be taken to restore order and to maintain holiness.

Life
application: Some people seem to be beyond shame. They make stuff up
out of their own heads, and they misuse Scripture willingly in order
to appear super-religious. Whether they will acknowledge their
infractions or not, we are given our orders – keep ourselves away
from such people. Don’t get caught up in that which is misdirected.
Instead, grow in sound theology, and hold fast to the word of God!

Most wonderful God, how
precious it is to be in Your presence. How good it is to know that
You are here for Your people, and that You hear their prayers because
of the offering of Christ Jesus. Now, help us to be obedient to Your
word, to hold fast to sound doctrine, and to apply it to our daily
lives. When we stand before You, it will all have been worthwhile if
we pursue You now. May it be so in our lives. Amen.

Yet
do not count him
as an enemy, but admonish him
as a brother.
2 Thessalonians 3:15

The
Greek begins with “and,” not “yet.” There is no thought of
bitterness or unkindness in Paul’s words already spoken, or which
he now writes. Instead, this is a saving measure towards the wayward
brother. Using the proper conjunction “and” shows that not
keeping company with this person is actually an act of brotherly
kindness. It is intended to correct his incorrect conduct and
hopefully bring him back to proper conduct.

Understanding
this, Paul says, “And do not count him
as an enemy.” What is occurring here is Christian discipline, not
warfare. This person is not holding to sound doctrine. He is misusing
Scripture, or has been misled concerning Scripture, and has come to
faulty conclusions about an issue. This, in turn, has led him to
lollygag around and not working. Such a person isn’t to be treated
as an enemy, but rather as a misdirected brother. In order to correct
him, he is not to be associated with, but at the same time, he isn’t
to be treated like someone who is actually hostile to the faith.
Rather, we are to “admonish him
as a brother.”

Admonish
means to correct, counsel, or exhort. We are to urge such people to
turn and look for God’s best in their lives. Rapture date-setting
doesn’t qualify. One misses out on life when they spend all their
time speculating about the next prophetic event to occur. Proper work
habits are interrupted, family relationships suffer, and other people
are brought into the same inane paths of futile speculation. None of
this should occur, and such people are to be properly admonished, as
brothers, to give up this avenue and pursue sound doctrine.

Life
application: With the UNFRIEND option on Facebook, it is pretty easy
to just cut people off without a care. This is necessary at times,
but it can also be harmful as well. We need to ensure that we only
take such measures towards other Christians if they are truly
disruptive, or passing on heretical ideas. Otherwise, we should just
admonish them to pursue right doctrine, and avoid otherwise
commenting on their incorrect posts about the next rapture date or
“sign in the sky.” Always attempt to use Christian courtesy when
dealing with your fellow brethren.

Heavenly Father, in our modern
world, we have the added burden of the dreaded “unfriend” option
on social media. When it is used against us, it can bring about sad
feelings of rejection. Understanding this, help us to be as courteous
as possible to others before using this option ourselves. Help us to
not divide Christian fellowship over minutiae, but instead to reserve
that option for the truly offensive people who come into our lives.
Help us to strive for peace to the greatest extent possible as we
live in Your presence. Amen.

Now
may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The
Lord be
with you all.
2 Thessalonians
3:16

Paul
has given multiple commands and exhortations since verse 6. Now, he
attaches a benediction to these by saying, “Now may the Lord of
peace Himself...” He has been speaking of withdrawing from those
who are disorderly. Now as a prayer that such will resolve this
unhappy situation, he calls on the “Lord of peace.” This phrase
is unique in all of his writing. Elsewhere he says, “God of peace,
such as in Romans 15:33 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Thus, we have
another implicit reference to the Godhead, ascribing to Jesus what
was previously ascribed to God. This probably stems from Isaiah’s
use of the term “Prince of peace” in Isaiah 9:6.

It
is Christ Jesus who provides the peace of God. It is a peace which is
more than just quiet, but wholeness of heart and soundness of mind.
It is also the peace that extends to harmony between people. Paul
asks that this fullness of peace be given to those at Thessalonica.
As he says it, “always in every way.” In adhering to the commands
and exhortations, along with all of the other apostolic instruction,
this will be possible. Obedience to the word of God is what will
bring this about in their lives.

In
completion of the verse, he then adds in, “The Lord be
with you all.” This petition hearkens back to Matthew 28:20 where
the Lord promised to be with his people always. In obedience to the
word of the Lord, there is found the comfort of the Lord. How often
people say, “I feel like the Lord’s presence isn’t with me
lately.” More often than not, it is because there is some
deficiency in their own walk.

The
Lord has promised, Paul has petitioned, and the only thing to keep
either from being effective must then be from our side, not the
Lord’s. If we are walking obediently, and yet we still do not feel
the Lord with us, then we need to draw near to the Lord who is
already there. In Hebrews 10:22, we are admonished to “draw near
with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” If the Lord seems
distant, let us follow these words and correct the problem from our
end. He has never left us!

Life
application: If our spiritual walk is dry and barren, or when we feel
that the Lord is distant, let us return to the word. Let us remember
that He has given His promise to never leave us, and to never forsake
us. With that in mind, let us then draw near to the One who is right
there. Open those spiritual eyes and direct them to Jesus, the Author
and Finisher of our faith.

Lord God, it is true that at
times we find ourselves in a place where You seem distant. We wonder,
“Why has the Lord drawn away from me?” But Your word says
otherwise. For those in Christ, You have promised to never leave us.
As this is a promise and a guarantee, help us to feel Your presence
again as we draw ourselves near to You. There You are with us. All we
need to do is realize this truth and rejoice in it. Thank You for the
eternal surety we possess. Amen.

The
salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every
epistle; so I write.
2 Thessalonians
3:17

“This
salutation of Paul with my own hand,” tells us that until this
point he has had a scribe writing the epistle for him. It is at this
point that he stopped his narration and said to the scribe something
like, “Bentonious, let me have the quill to finish up the letter.”
Certainly not miffed at all because of writer’s-cramp, Bentonious
probably said, “It’s all yours, fine Sir, finish away.” The
salutation of Paul was intended to keep from happening exactly what
did happen, as noted in verses 2:1, 2 -

“Now,
brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our
gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not
to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or
by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.”

A
hand written salutation from Paul authenticated the letter so that
there would be no mistake in whether it was valid or not. This is
seen in his next words, “which is a sign in every epistle, so I
write.” Paul obviously wrote the concluding thoughts of the first
letter to them, but he didn’t highlight it at that time, but now he
is doing so in order to keep from any future possibility of a false
letter being received and accepted.

It
is known from Galatians 6 that Paul had a unique style of handwriting
which was with very large letters (Galatians 6:11). It is generally
assumed that this was because he had poor eyesight. The reasons for
this assumption are convincing. His
handwriting would be very
easy to recognize, and rather hard to forge. This was his mark of
authorship, and the letter’s mark of authenticity.

Life
application: Nowadays, we send many emails, and our social
intercourse is often reduced to short, rather impersonal, messages.
From time to time, it should be our practice to take a moment and to
actually write a note to those we cherish. In this, we go back to a
more personal, even intimate, time where associations and friendships
were recognized as such.

Lord
God, You have created us to be personal, social beings. But our lives
have been reduced to impersonal social media for the most part. We
tell people we love them because they post friendly things and don’t
annoy us, but we just as quickly unfriend them when they say they
voted for Senator Do-Nothing. Grant us the ability to be more
personal to others than just a 100 character tweet. Help us to
establish true and enduring friendships. Your word says, “A friend
loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Help us
to be true friends and brothers. Amen.

The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with you all. Amen.
2 Thessalonians 3:18

Paul’s
closing words here are identical to those of 1 Thessalonians 5:28,
except here he adds in the word “all.” This is in line with his
words of verse 16 of this chapter where he said, “The Lord be with
you all.” This is especially important because he has censured some
of the congregation for being lazy sluggards. Despite this, he has no
ill will towards them, and the letter has been intended to correct
their sloth. Should they fail, the congregation also has its orders
to withdraw from them, but still admonish them as brothers.

Despite
the addition of “all,” as
is in accord with all of his epistles, Paul’s closing salutation is
a blessing which is a petition for divine favor to be upon his
audience. In the Greek, there is a definite article in front of
"grace." Quite often English translations will insert "the"
for clarity at certain points, but it may not be in the Greek.
However, it is here.

"The
grace" is different than saying something like, "May grace
from the Lord Jesus be with you." Paul is asking for a divine
impartation of this attribute of the Lord to rest upon those in
Thessalonica (and thus us!) and to sustain them in their walk. It
must be then considered that those who are not obedient to the
epistle are to be excluded from this petition.

For
example, in a similar petition for grace to be bestowed upon the
congregation at Corinth, he wrote concerning a disobedient
congregant, saying to “deliver
such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit
may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” Until that person was
willing to adhere to the sound instruction of the epistle, his
petition for divine grace was most probably not intended for him.

And
yet, at the same time, we all fall short of one precept or another.
Therefore, it must be considered that it is for those who earnestly
strive for adherence to it, even if they do fall short. Such is the
nature of grace; undeserved merit. Paul, in one form or another,
closes out every one of his epistles with such a note of request for
this divine favor. Even the last words of the Bible are very closely
aligned with his words here. There John writes -

Finally,
Paul closes the letter with “Amen.” In essence, “So let it be.”
Paul has petitioned for grace upon his audience, and he then confirms
that petition with assured hopes that it will be so.

Life
application: The Bible, time and again, asks for an undeserved
blessing to be bestowed upon those who pursue it, even if they fall
short of what it states. Such is the nature of grace, and such is the
nature of our gracious Lord. As you walk along life's highway, take
time to contemplate the wondrous grace which has been lavished upon
you. And then thank the Lord and praise the Lord for that same grace.

Lord
God, we take the many blessings of this life for granted. At times we
even act as if we deserve Your grace. But grace is unmerited favor,
and so help us to realize this. May we look to each radiant day of
sunshine as a gift. Every beautiful flower that opens was because of
Your gracious hand. None of such things are deserved, but are instead
kind acts from You, our loving Creator. Grant us wisdom to realize
this, and to thank and praise You for each delight which fills our
eyes, minds, and hearts. Amen.